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2m big-wheel – 3dBd gain without rotating
16 September 2015 | by Since its erection yesterday in its proper home by David G0LRD all seems to be working well.
A quick check this morning and I am able to copy the Kent, Dutch and Belgium beacons on 2m and GB3LEU (NW of Leicester) beacon on 70cm with the FT817 and 2m big-wheel. This is a single 2m big-wheel (not a stack) from Wimo in Germany.
It has 3dBd horizontal gain and is omni-directional. It is an ideal SSB/CW/data antenna for casual operators like me. “Real” operators would use it and a beam: the big-wheel to watch all 360 degrees and a big gainy beam to pounce in the choice direction. Being one who does not take the hobby too seriously just the big-wheel suits me and my style of operating! I did not look for other beacons. It is nice not having to worry about a beam and rotator.
I have still to try this antenna (and feeder) as an HF vertical via my ATU. It should work on at least some HF bands.
Roger Lapthorn, G3XBM, is a regular contributor to AmateurRadio.com and writes from Cambridge, England.
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