The 209sma is a good 2 meter antenna while lacking a little on 440

I use the 209sma most of the time since it's very flexible, short, and performs decent.

When I need better range on 440, I switch to the comet sma503

YOU ONLY GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR
IT NEVER PAYS TO BE A CHEEPSKATE

You have gone way overboard on the concrete for such a small tower but that being said,
the cost of bags vs getting a concrete truck is a no brainer.

It would cost a fortune to fill that hole with bags

Concrete calculators are available online that will easily show the difference

I guess one bad thing about high gain omni dual banders is the pattern.
The other is very poor construction and longevity
Patterns on these ham grade antennas are VERY irregular.
And the beamwidth of the UHF patterns are so narrow on these antennas that the slightest breeze will cause HUGE fluctuations in signals.
The dual band yagi will have a MUCH wider vertical beamwidth and a much more predictable pattern.
So when given the choice, the yagi is a clear winner all the way around

Ohm's law strikes again lol

Even at 100 watts, it is easy to exceed either the voltage or current ratings of tuner components.

Many a ham has smoked their 300 watt tuners with less than 100 watts.

I use nothing but Winegard products and they never let me down.

John Winegard is an excellent engineer and unlike most, his antennas are still Made in the USA.

Winegard just introduced a new antenna that might be what you want.
The Sensar "Wingman" RVW395 is their latest HD antenna for RVs

But even the best multi-directional antenna on the market won't even come close to even a small
VHF/UHF combo like the HD7694

While the old 2-13 and 14-83 antennas will "work" well on the new frequencies, HD designated antennas now have peak performance on 7-13 and 14-51 so they tend to produce slightly better performance and ALOT less wind load.

I actually did some calculations and pruned my old PR-7082 down to size for better performance in the HD band plan and though i'm sure my modified antenna doesn't rivial the designs  of John Winegard, it has allowed me to pick up a couple more stations that I could not get with the 2-83 antenna.

Repair of multi-layer boards is not recommended outside the factory service centers.

It's well under 35 inches

I believe mine measured about 32 after matched

The fumes that are emitted from components and pc boards when superheated by a flame or heat gun can be very toxic so if you choose to do so, have a fire extinguisher handy and do it in a WELL ventilated area (outside)
with safety goggles, long sleeves and leather gloves as a MINIMUM.

Many cancer causing chemicals can be released into the air so you don't want to breathe in ANY of these toxic fumes!

Your best and easiest solution may be to make a 3 element quad.
It will produce great gain for it's size and is very easy to build.
Virtually all 2m ssb activity will be horizontal so this is a must
But I have routinely checked in to the North Carolina sideband net from my qth with 25 watts
and a 4 element quad.

 

MFJ sells a 3 element 6 meter beam with a 6 foot boom for $79.95
And Blue Star antennas sells a well made 4 element for $120

You should be able to simply mount a reflector behind the stock antenna and get the coverage you need.

However, if you want the BEST performance for under $50 dollars, I would suggest
purchasing a ALFA networks AWUSO36H Long Range USB Adapter

It is only $34.99 from DataAlliance.com and will GREATLY extend your range

I use one every day and can access my router over a mile away

Admission is getting too high to look at junk.
World's biggest freak show LOL!
I must admit I did enjoy all the carnival hucksters peddling their snake oil products at various places around the fest.
One that comes to mind was a continuity tester that was selling for more than the price of a good digital VOM!!
And that guy was selling em like hotcakes!!

As PT Barnum said

"there's a sucker born every minute"

The world of volunteer emergency responders is full of wannabees.

If it were not for the wannabee cops and firemen of the world, we would have very few hams, volunteer firemen, or REACT members like McVey.

They are many times just little boys who played cops and robbers just a little too much when they were a kid.

But if it weren't for the wannabees, we would have very few in these occupations.

McVey did nothing wrong

He was simply a poster child for what's coming to ALL who try and exercise their liberties
under this oppressive and unconstitutional government regime


NEVER submit  NEVER surrender

A Faraday cage is a very effective weapon against EMP attacks.

And if you live in a 14x70 faraday cage, all the better  LOL!