Starduster top measurement

[kingfish]

I just put a starduster on a 30 foot pole. I'm talking skip all over the u.s. and talk to any good base station. My question is this. I don't hear mobiles real good unless they are close or running power. The instructs that came with the duster said that the top of the antenna must be 133 centimeters. Well, as usual, I read that after I had it up. I actually have it 5 foot taller than the recommended 133 cent. Could that be the reason that I don't hear the mobiles as good? Would appreciate any information on this.

Larry

[linx]

What's your SWR readings? 4.5 ft is around 133 cent. That's a lot of difference in 9.5 ft.

If you can give us your SWR, it would be best. I imagine it's not good, lol.

[drdx]

The top of a starduster should be in the 9 foot range, as it is a quarter wave antenna and the sloping radials are the other half, and they do radiate. Great antenna, know for TVI but if you keep it clean you'll be fine. -drdx

[kingfish]

Believe it or not, the swr is low. Less than 1.6. I'm beginning to think maybe the radio may need aligning and tuning. Thanks for the input guys.

[drdx]

It's not your radio. Your setup must be close to perfect with that kinda luck. Hey, you're in Gilmer. There are guys on channel 27, to your northeast, around lake tawakoni. That's good test. I'm to their west 40 miles, so we're too far apart, but for you that's a good haul. And some have beams. They're on 16 sometimes too. There is a gearjammer, diesel doctor, copperhead, a viper, and a few others. They are about 50-80 miles from you. If you're barefoot you may not reach them, but hearing them alone should tell you good things, and the starduster is an Excellent low angle local talker. Tell them dollar-98 sent you their way.

Cya,

-drdx

[kingfish]

When you say, in the nine foot range, are you counting from the bottom of the slopeing radials to the very top of the antenna? The instructs says the 133 centimeter is for the top radial only, which is a two piece. It says that you obtain the 133 by scopeing the tip top section down, and also that changing that length changes the frequency. For cb use said it must be 133. My 9 ft. measurement as it is now, is from the tip top to the coaxial connector.

Larry

[drdx]

I'm talking 9 foot for the top piece only. Check your swr. If it is lower on 1 than on 40, it is a little too long, if it is lower on 40, you're a little too short. The 9 foot should be very close if not a few inches too long at most. The antenna and the sloping radials need to be as clear of nearby objects as possible. It sounds like it is working well for you now. Across the country skip is one thing, local is another. Typical mobile to base range may be 20-25 miles depending on the setups, base to base 30 plus easily and more if the stations are well equipped. Maybe a little fine tuning needed, but if the swr is 1.5 or lower I'd leave it alone unless it is real easy to take down and adjust.

-drdx