Cushcraft R7 vs. MFJ-1796
Tony C Blake
I recently became the proud owner of an ICOM 729, (HF/50 MHz),
transceiver. Due to space limitations, I need to run a verticle
for a while. I was planning on running a Cushcraft R7 until
someone suggested I look at the MFJ-1796. The MFJ covers 40, 20,
15, 10, 6, & 2 meters. The MFJ is apealing for two reasons,
1) it covers 6 meters, and 2) is considerably less expensive
than the R7.
I have numerous recommendations and opinions on the R5 & R7.
Is anyone running the MFJ, and if so, how happy are you with
the performance of the antenna? Winter is rapidly approaching
here in Minnesota and I would like to make a decision and have
the antenna on the roof before the snow starts flying.
Thanks,
Tony KB0LXR
=======================================================================
Tony Blake AT&T Global Information Solutions
tony....@stpaul.ncr.com Networking Global Support Center
(612) 638-8162 voice 2700 Snelling Avenue North
(612) 638-8173 fax St Paul, MN 55113-1784
Disclaimer: The smelling pistakes are all my own.
=======================================================================
Tony Smithson
>I recently became the proud owner of an ICOM 729, (HF/50 MHz),
>
>I have numerous recommendations and opinions on the R5 & R7.
>Is anyone running the MFJ, and if so, how happy are you with
>the performance of the antenna? Winter is rapidly approaching
>here in Minnesota and I would like to make a decision and have
>the antenna on the roof before the snow starts flying.
Great timing. QST had an article on the MFJ antenna this month. Check it
out. There are some really good comparisons and notes on what compromises
one would expect from a shortened vertical.
Wish I had the article in front of me. If you want more or do not get QST
drop me a line and I'll tell you what it says.
Tony, KN4TX
smit...@rosharon.wireline.slb.com
Joel Jensen, KF0VB
2. Give GAP antennas a call.
John Dashner
>
>In article <tony.blake...@stpaul.ncr.com>, tony....@stpaul.ncr.com (Tony C Blake) says:
>>
>
>2. Give GAP antennas a call.
Could some kind soul provide GAP's telephone number???
----------------------------------------------------
John M Dashner - jdashner.crl.com - (404) 476-1797
Glen Johnson
: 1. DON'T get an R-7 if you plan on running more than about 50 watts.
How come?
Joel Jensen, KF0VB
>
>In article <3b1svd$a...@nitrogen.mankato.msus.edu>, JJE...@Mankato.msus.edu (Joel Jensen, KF0VB) says:
>>
>>In article <tony.blake...@stpaul.ncr.com>, tony....@stpaul.ncr.com (Tony C Blake) says:
>>>
>[....]
>>
>>2. Give GAP antennas a call.
>
>Could some kind soul provide GAP's telephone number???
>
>----------------------------------------------------
free number...) Give 'em a call!
kham
> uhhhh... I use my Collins 30S1 with my R7... what's the problem?
Hi. I'm new to HF (been out a long time). Due to a number of
factors I cannot have a beam but need the cleanest looking antenna I can
find. That seems to be the R7. The Gap has good coverage and bandwidth
but is too ugly (as per the XYL). Have you been able to work the World
with the R7? Has the sometimes narrow bandwidth been a problem? Is the
40 meter phone band wide enough to keep you in with the crowd? How far
out of the stated bandwidth can you go on 40 or other bands and have
acceptable SWR? I am getting a Kenwood TS 850 AT and I guess my question
is, with optimum installation will I get around the world? How far above
ground or the house/apt is the bottom of your antenna, and what have you
heard is optimum (8 feet?). Have you had any problems with the capacitors
burning up (I heard this on one thread)?
Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks, Dave AB7FV
MooreChitk
Australia and some lower bands. Mine is installed on the roof of my
shed-10n feet up from the metal roofing. I had some "dead trap " problems
to start but they were replaced by Cushcraft and I'm happy now. Despite
the fact that they suggest sealing the connections only in extreme
conditions, I found that it is ESSENTIAL. Cushcrtaft sent me an ENTIRE new
antenna before we discovered that this was the problem.
mare KB2MOA
Dale Piedfort
very well. I have 87 countries confirmed on 40 in just a few years of
playing there. Properly tuned the SWR on 40 meters will allow you to
use all of the phone portion or all the CW portion with an SWR below
1.9.l My SWR on 40 is 1.9 at 7.150
1.1 at 7.200
1.9 at 7.300
bandwidth is a little narrow on all but 10 meters. On 10 you can work
from CW to the FM portion with little or no problem, and your TS-850
will compensate readily for portions of the band with a higher SWR.
The minimum height is 5 foot above the mounting surface and try and
keep it away from other masts if possible (25 foot is recommended)
I have had the antenna as high as 50 foot to the base of the antenna
and as low as 6 foot above the patio roof. In my case the higher
the antenna the lower my noise on 40. When the antenna is at the
highest I have a 40/75 meter dipole strung underneath it with a pulley
and at various times the dipole will hear a lot better than the R-7
but seems to be a dead heat as far as transmit is concerned. In short
I have been very pleased with the antennas performance. But pay close
attention to the power limits (they mean it) I smoked a couple of traps
no ones fault but my own.
Just for good measure if you could convince the YL take a good look
at the Hy-Gain Hy-tower, in my opinion the best vertical going, I had
a pair back in the 70's and they were great, little pricey now, but
one heck of an antenna...
I think you will be happy with the combination of the Cushcraft R-7
and the Kenwood TS-850SAT. GREAT CHOICE
73 GD Luck KB7UB