Thanks for the reply Phil. I thought it was plenty strong enough but somebody suggested i should use a thrust bearing and it got me 2nd guessing myself. Its been up a while now so i wondered if I'd just been lucky. I lowered the mast this evening and chopped the stub mast down so that the hex base plate now sits directly on top of the rotator clamp. I'm sure its got to help.

Chris.

How strong is a kr400? I have a hexbeam mounted on top of one on a 12" stub mast without a thrust bearing. Am i pushing my luck?

Chris.

Tom, I have a 590s and use a Heil Proset or a Goldline. I use the hc5 element on both. Always get good reports. I heard you on 20m last night but you had cleared and dissapeared before i got chance to call you. As many people have already said, different mics suit different people and its all very subjective but if you want to hear a hc5 on a 590s give me a call. I`ll listen 14.185 around 10.30utc if you want to give me a call.

Chris, ZL1BR

I have one and had a similar issue. I fixed it by using a small relay that disconnects the noise antenna when you tx.

Chris, ZL1BR

Cheers steve, very informative. I have to say that even on the 30ft mast the antenna is performing very well. I have to decide if the mechanical effort involved in raising it is worthwhile.
73`s Chris

Thanks for the reply, 3db would be a worthwhile gain, Every bit counts.

Chris

I have a homemade broadband hexbeam mounted on a 30ft mast. The 20m elements are about 35ft above ground. I`ve been contemplating buying some more steel and extending the mast to 40ft. My question is would i notice much difference or is it not worth the effort?

Cheers

Chris, ZL1BR

I bought an AL80b from dx engineering a few months back. Best amp i`ve ever had and I`ve had 2 amps.

Chris.

After purchasing my AL80b a few months ago and noticing that i had to use my rigs tuner on the input of 17m I emailed Ameritron and asked them if this was normal prctice and they said yes. This is perfectly normal.

Regards

Chris

I know i`m replying to an old thread but does anybody know if the Yaesu gc038 mast clamp for the g450 rotor will fit the older Kenpro kr400. I have one with a cracked top mast clamp that i`d like to replace.

Cheers,

Chris

I ordered an Ameritron AL80B from them on Tuesday and it arrived in Auckland on Friday morning. I couldn`t be more impressed. Awesome.

Chris

Cheers to those who have responded. KB6VIV, I have sent you an email.

Chris

Cheers for the input mate, Just to clarify, The pipe that I have is not schedule 40. Its a medium weight galvanised pipe/tube with about 1/8 inch wall thickness. Not nearly as heavy as schedule 40 but I take your point about over engineering. It may be a good idea to drop to the next size down for the top 10ft or maybe use aluminium.

Chris

Fair point. Its a 5 band broadband version 20m to 10m

Cheers for the response. I forgot to mention that mine will pivot about 8ft above ground and not at the base. Will be winched up and down with a boat trailer winch.

Chris