Tower and Antenna questions

[Nashua Area Radio Society]

Over the summer I installed the Aluma T50HN tiltover tower. I installed the NA4RR hexbeam. The first snowstorm a couple weeks ago destroyed the hexbeam. I now considering my next antenna. The two antennas I’m considering are the MolseyTA-63N with the 40m dipole or the Cushcraft MA6B and D40 combination. I also want to use the NN4ZZ tiltPlate to stay on the ground during installation/maintenance. Have several questions for consideration:

1. Tower Loading – Aluma tower rating is 125 lbs/18 sqft wind load. The Cushcraft antennas with Tiltplate weight is 75 lbs and about 6.6 wind load. The Mosley antennas are about 95 lbs and 8.4 wind load. They are both under the maximum but Mosley is about 80% of capacity. Is this too close to the maximum?
2. Since I want to use the NN4ZZ TiltPlate, the configuration of the Molsey has a folded dipole between elements. I was wondering if this would create usage problems when tilting over the tower. Anyone have experience with the NN4ZZ TiltPlates? Any cautions?
3. Given the NH winters are there better antenna choices that standup to the weather?

Any suggestions are appreciated.  Pictures of thee hexbeam are attacched.

Paul -W1PEF

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[Nashua Area Radio Society]

Hi Paul,

I can talk to your points 2 and 3.  I also have a Hex beam (KIO) that was damaged by the ice storm a few weeks ago.  The damage to my antenna was caused when the wind bent the mast over and it struck the Glen Martin tower holding it up.  The event took place on Saturday night into Sunday morning.  On Monday I ordered a replacement spreader element from KIO along with a universal mast adapter so I could use a larger, stronger mast.  They shipped the same day and I received them on Friday 12/11.  Saturday’s warm rain cleared the ice off of my roof and Sunday I was able to rebuild the antenna.  I also have a Hexlock Tilt Plate and that made repair easy for me to do.  I don’t know how difficult it is for you to tilt your mast over to work on the antenna.  If it is not too difficult I recommend you repair the hex beam.  The ice storm was stronger than what we normally get here in New England and while I am sure we will see more like it, I think they are years apart.  You can upgrade it to one of the other antennas you mentioned, but I believe you may be able to repair it for a reasonable amount of money.  Here is a link to a picture of my antenna on a tilt plate.

I believe you can use a tilt plate without interference with your antenna, you may need to manage the size of the mast that connects to he antenna to the plate.  I am happy to talk about this more if you like.  Feel free to email me, my address is [email protected].

Jon

 

 

[Nashua Area Radio Society]

Paul,

The Mosley has poor front to back and I really doubt that you would be happy with the Cushcraft.

While it’s hard to tell for sure from your pictures, it may not be a stretch to repair your existing antenna. If that doesn’t work for you, then you might consider a JK antenna. They are very well built and perform very well. The best part is no traps. You might consider a Navassa 5 – see https://jkantennas.com/jk-navassa-5.html

Good luck with your project.

 

Mike – KI8R

[David Merchant]

Paul,

I second the advice given by Mike, KI8R.  I had a Hexbeam at my last QTH in Windham, NH.  In July of this year, I moved to a new QTH and installed two JK antennas on my new tower. The build quality is outstanding, and most importantly, they survived the ice storm unscathed.  I think the Navassa would be a good choice given your tower.  I have a Rohn 55G fixed tower with a JK 6BA, JK 302, and an M2 6M6LN.

73,

Dave

K1DLM

 

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