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write your own review of the M2 KT36XA.
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N7EO
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Rating: 5/5
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Nov 16, 2011 14:28
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Outstanding
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I've owned and used the KT-34A since 1984 rebuilding and refurbishing the basic antenna with each move from four different QTH's before retiring in 1996.
In 2004 I was given a new upgrade kit by KD7HF to remake a KT-34A into the KT-34XA. This added two elements and doubled the boom length to 32 feet. The decision was made to purchase the KT-34XA to KT-36XA upgrade kit from M2 and do it all in one project. The CNC milled components from M2 add new life to the legendary KLM design.
The upgrades were time consuming but Murphy free. Having built and rebuilt KLM antennas numerous times without a hitch I can attest that the secret is reading and re-reading the instructions, measuring everything twice or more times and liberal use of Penetrox anti-seize compound on all the joints.
Due to hurricanes along the Florida Gulf Coast, my KT-36XA has been down twice with the elements removed from the boom and everything stored until the storm is past. This has allowed for a thorough inspection with no repairs or adjustments needed.
Antenna performance is fabulous and continues to draw positive comments.
The one drawback to the antenna is obvious. It is a tribander and does not cover the WARC bands.
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KE7CRN
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Rating: 5/5
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Apr 25, 2011 21:12
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Excellent Preformer
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I bought this one used. I spent a couple of days rebuilding it and bringing it into current specifications. It has been trouble free for 5 years. SWR has gone high a few of times, twice when iced over and laoded with snow and once after several weeks of rain (possibly a feedline issue).
M2's support was outstanding.
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W9XY
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Rating: 5/5
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Nov 25, 2009 21:55
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Over 8 Years Old and Still Going Strong!
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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Just killing some time tonight and read some of the reviews on this antenna. I have to tell you that I absolutely love my KT36XA and would definitely buy another one! Performance is amazing and it has survived all kinds of wicked Wisconsin weather.
For years I had heard big signals from European stations using the trapless KLM KT34XA and had always thought of putting one up if something happened to my TH6DXX. Then I got married, we built a new house, and I found myself designing and preparing to install a new antenna system. I was all ready to buy the new KLM rather than refurbishing the old TH6, but then it was announced...KLM was going out of business! UGH! What timing!
After waiting a few months, I was happy to hear that M2 was taking over production with their version of this design, and KJ9I graciously brought me some information hot off the press from Dayton 2000. (Thanks Dave!) Shortly after, I bought one of the first KT36XA's. I took my time building it and assembled it in my basement during the winter. All went smoothly with just a few questions for the guys to clarify, in regard to the newly printed manual.
It was put up (at over 80') eight years ago now (in the spring of 2001) and has performed flawlessly. I was a little worried at first due to the crazy mix of weather we receive here in our state, but it has withstood heavy wind, driving rain, an ice storm, snow, extreme cold, and summer heat. (We get it all here!) Many times I've looked up thinking I'd see some sign of stress or deterioration, but nope, it still hangs tough!
After my recent annual fall inspection, I can see that the boom plate to mast clamps are getting quite rusty. (I'd have thought M2 would have provided stainless clamps, but maybe they do now.) Anyway, I'll have to think about replacing them in the next couple of years or so. I remember reading a review on the web (when I was researching the KLM), that the clamps gave way and the whole antenna tilted and it was getting ready to drop on one guy's house! Again, this was the old KLM version (the KT34XA), NOT the M2 version. It's only mentioned as a safety tip...remember to inspect those boom-to-mast clamps!!
My TH6DXX had been up for approximately 25 years and that also never needed attention. What I like about this antenna however, is the use of linear loading rather than lossy traps. I still have the TH6 (rebuilt and kept in storage) but I strongly believe that I made the right decision in purchasing & installing the KT36XA.
By the way, this time I mounted my Cushcraft 40-2CD 2 el 40M yagi above the KT36XA tribander, and there is 12' of separation between them. I've seen no signs of interaction, by either antenna.
If you have any questions, feel free to drop me a note or visit my website for some photos of the antenna during installation. http://www.maqs.net/~w9xy
PS - To the guys who weren't happy with this antenna for whatever reason, you should get hold of me, I wouldn't mind having another! :-)
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N0KGM
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Rating: 5/5
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Oct 4, 2009 18:56
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Great Signals After KT36 was installed
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Time owned: 6 to 12 months
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I installed the KT36XA earlier this summer on top of a US TOWER HDX-555 up at 63'. The antenna works great, like others have said, there are many parts and the install is time consuming. I continue to work around the world Japan, Austalia, Europe, etc. even in the low sunspot/band conditions. I have had no issues with higher SWR during moisture/rain conditions.
One of the reasons I purchased this antenna is because I run M2 on all my VHF/UHF/SHF arrays for many years and have never had any issues. I also like the fact, I could call up, order the antenna and have it sitting at my QTH 5 days later. Most other HF Antenna providers have 3-4 month waiting time frames.
Would a buy another KT36XA - YES.
Would I recommend to others - YES.
Here is a short youtube video on the Antenna Installation:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GkCOjtUcjbA
Robb - N0KGM
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K1LI
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Rating: 5/5
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Sep 21, 2009 09:59
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As good as advertised
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I rebuilt two KT34XA "hulks" that I was given, in various states of disrepair and disassembly, with the "upgrade" kit. Now at 50 ft and 90 ft high, these antennas ROCK. I am amazed not only by the gain but also by the front-to-back. Contrary to some other reviews, no variations in performance vs. weather. Yes, it's a long, tedious process to build and/or rebuild a KT36, but it's well worth the effort.
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OH1VR
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Rating: 5/5
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May 26, 2009 22:34
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5/5
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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It was a stormy (high wind, wet snow, low temperature) day in November 2007 when I got my KT36XA up with the help of OH3SR and OH3KZ. Basically it was more than 20 years old KT-34XA of OH3SR reinforced with a upgrade kit. I worked many days with the old beam to get it 'shining'. I was very careful with the orders of the manual: all was double or triple checked beforehand.
A result: excellent and effective three band antenna at 42 mtrs.
I used to have KT34XA 1981-1989 at 24 mtrs when I was active as OH2BA near Helsinki. I worked everything I wanted but had a feeling that 21 MHz is not perfect. With the KT36XA that feeling is gone. The antenna is performing even a bit better than I expected. KT34XA has about 800 parts - upgrade kit has some 200. Those figures are telling that you must be VERY careful when assembling the antenna. It is not a easy task but it is worth of doing.
Thanks to M2 - Mike, Myrna & Co for the excellent product.
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NL7AX
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Rating: 0/5
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May 25, 2009 07:51
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My best advise is stay away from it.
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Time owned: 6 to 12 months
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I purchased one of these nightmares and have had to take it down three times. Each time finding moisture in a trap and the SWR had gone to pot. Tried many different solutions and finally the factory sent me a different antenna and I trashed this one.
My best advise is stay away from it. There are design problems, at least in WA state weather. It may be better is CA or a climate with temperature swings that create moisture.
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KC9NJL
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Rating: 2/5
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May 8, 2009 16:27
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Fair Weather Antenna
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I've owned my KT36XA for a year and half or better. I've checked and checked measurements caps and just everything over and over that the engineers have suggested. Apparently they are tired of hearing for me because they won't answer e-mails. When I call I'm told best way to get hold of engineer is to e-mail. Done that. Any time the least amount of precip gets on elements the standing wave goes from 1.1 or 1.2 up to 2.0-2.3 on 10 meter. From 1.2 up to 1.6-2.0 on 20 meter. Doesn't affect 15 meter. So any owners out there with any resolutions to this problem please e-mail me. In fair weather you couldn't ask for a better antenna. johnharp49 @hotmail.com.
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9K2FM
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Rating: 5/5
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Aug 11, 2008 12:45
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I live This Antenna ..
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I ordered The KT36XA From M2 Company , And I will Receive My Antenna in February 2005.
in 3 Weeks it has been up The tower 70 Foot up the ground , ( Thanks 9k2rf Mohammed ) .
32 foot The Boom , 25 Foot the element and Weighs about 80 lbs .
Signal Reports are 5/9 To 59 ++++ in 20m band
( with 14.240 Group AA2WC & 9k2mu & 9k2gs & Sinyoor Walter K1QS ) .
And The SWR 1:2 in (20m) and also 15 & 10 .
All The M2 Custmer Service is Good Guys
And The Sales Support ( Thanks wyatt )
Im happy with this antenna .
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VE6MRV
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Rating: 5/5
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Jun 12, 2008 22:29
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A FANTASTIC Antenna.
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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The KT36XA is excellent, what the original KT34XA should have been in the first place. I upgraded my KT34XA to KT36XA using M2's upgrade kit. The antenna is now 28 years old: I wouldn't dream of replacing it, not even for a Steppir (COUNT THE ELEMENTS!!) The new machined clamps are WAY better than KLM's original sheet-aluminum clamps. They make me confident that the connections between elements to linear loading tubes will remain solid. Period. No more wiggling loose, like the old clamps. The M2 upgrade instructions are complex, but no problem for hams - we master CW, we can read instructions - RIGHT? I've used this antenna in Nova Scotia and in Alberta and in both QTHs I've had great DX success, using just 100 watts.
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