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| Reviews Summary for PAR Electronics SM-50 6M Stressed Moxon |
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Reviews: 26
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Average rating: 5.0/5
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MSRP: $$79.95
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Description: SM-50 Stressed Moxon 6M Antenna Occupies approximately 1/2 the footprint of traditional two element
yagis, yet has nearly identical electrical specifications. The radiator material selection results in a further reduction in size and weight over classical Moxons. Once the coupling unit is installed onto the main radiator using two #10-32 screws, assembling the rest of the antenna, including mast mounting and tuning, requires no tools. Ideal for mountain topping, roving and stealth operation. � Horizontal polarity � Forward Gain:
5.8 dBi � F/B Ratio: 17 dB � Design Z: 50. unbalanced � V.S.W.R. BW: 1.5MHz between 1.5:1 points � 1kW power handling � 6061-T6 aluminum, fiberglass, genuine Flex Weave wire, stainless steel � Rectangular 84 x31", 3lbs
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More info: http://parelectronics.com/stress_moxon.htm
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write your own review of the PAR Electronics SM-50 6M Stressed Moxon.
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K4GUN
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Rating: 5/5
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Jun 19, 2008 09:25
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Great for rovers
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Time owned: 6 to 12 months
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What an amazing product! I bought a Stressed Moxon back in January 2008 for the VHF contest and used it on my rover station. It did well, but there wasn't a huge amount of activity. The June contest on the other hand, was remarkable. The band opened up and the Moxon worked extremely well. For the contest, I used both this and a loop antenna for 6 meters and using them side by side, on the same radio really highlighted the Moxon's benefits.
Because the beam pattern of the Moxon is so wide, you really don't have to worry about aiming directly at the other station. Even still, you get good rejection off the back. You get a very quiet antenna where the only thing you hear is the other stations. Other stations have no problems hearing you either.
The antenna is small enough that you can run with it up, on a rover vehicle. Its well under the legal limit for the width of the road. Its also light enough that you can secure it to a mast and drive down the road with it installed. The only thing to be aware of is overhanging branches.
About those branches... The Stressed Moxon has one rather interesting feature. If you do clip a tree, it is possible to pull the reflector and side arms out of the driven element. I actually consider this to be a safety feature. If this didn't happen, it might be possible to snag a limb hard enough to pull the mast out of its support. If you're going to use this as a rover antenna, you would be wise to tie a non-conducing cord to the reflector so you don't loose it on the side of the road. Yes, I learned this lesson the hard way, but Dale at Par was very quick to get replacement parts to me. I will not be without this antenna in any VHF contest.
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N6ORB
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Rating: 5/5
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Sep 30, 2007 20:04
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Great 6 Meter Antenna for Portable and Semi-Portable Use
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Time owned: 6 to 12 months
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My VUCC 6M award certificate arrived in yesterday's mail (with a sharp crease in it). Anyway, most of the 111 confirmed contacts were made this Es season, using the Par Electronics Stressed-Moxon. Last year was my first on 6M and I used the Par Omniangle loop for 6 meters at my antenna-restricted SF-Bay area QTH. I was quite happy with my results with the loop. Hearing the entire US east coast come alive with signals during the June 2006 VHF contest was a revelation. The only problem was that I managed to work only a couple of them.
For this year, I wanted something with a little more gain but that could still be put up and taken down easily. The Par Electronics Stressed Moxon seemed to be the best option, although I wasn't sure that an extra 3db would make much difference. It turned out to make quite a difference indeed.
I assembled the antenna and tried tuning it. I became concerned when the Moxon showed a nearly constant low SWR on my tranceiver's SWR meter as I moved the aluminum tubes back and forth in the driven element. It turned out that, unlike the loop, the Moxon has a very wide bandwidth, something I could see clearly once I applied an antenna analyzer to it.
With the Moxon mounted on 12ft of PVC pipe in my back yard, working six meters became a much better experience for me this year. From Puerto Rico to Maine, and many points in-between, double-hop contacts became almost routine.
For back-yard portable use, I think the Moxon is ideal. Partly disassembled, it fits easily in the trunk of my car for operation away from home. Since most people don't associate its shape with an antenna, it's almost hidden in plain sight.
It's not a long-boom Yagi, so you can't use it to create your own propagation. However, if the band is open, you can make lots of contacts without being one of the big guns. (Now, if that guy in Rhode Island would just respond to my QSL card...)
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KB3LFD
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Rating: 5/5
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Jul 22, 2007 11:23
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Well made, rugged!!
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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When first licensed this was my first
antenna for six meters. A very well made,
easy to build and install antenna. Ideal
for apartment,hill-toping,etc. Will work
fine with a light weight "tv" type rotor.
Quality parts,rugged design! A good choice
for a person on a budget just starting in
the hobby. Worked Canada to Florida and
Putero Rico from a not so good location in
Ne Pa.
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N6NKN
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Rating: 5/5
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May 23, 2007 07:08
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Follow Up, One Day Later!
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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Surprise, Installed my SM-50 yesterday afternoon and in the evening there were openings from Southern California to Arizona and Northern California. I was hearing and working S-9 signals, and getting signal reports of equal strength. Looks like I got going on the "Magic Band" just at the right time. I noticed this antenna is very quiet, and the signals were very readible out of this low noise floor.
I think I made the right choice in the Par Electronics SM-50, and I did it at just the right time. I'm sure my new Stressed Moxon will give me many years of fine service. It is built with the same care as all the Par Electronics products.
If you want well designed antennas at a reasonable price, Par Electronics is the place to go.
Thanks Dale
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K8CXM
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Rating: 5/5
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Jul 20, 2006 06:29
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Wonderful small antenna
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I have been a very satisfied OA-50 user for about a year, and decided to 'upgrade' to something directional with a little gain. I went with the SM-50 because of it's size, cost, manufacturer's support and the quality of the design and materials. I got it up in an afternoon (90+ temps and humidity) but am glad I did. I am seeing 1-2 S-units over the loop, and the weaker stations on 6 are finally now Q5. Tuning and construction were a snap. Performance is what I expected and it looks nice up on that 27' foot pole along side the chimney. I've seen bigger TV antennas in the neighborhood. The neighbors haven't even noticed. Great little antenna at a great price!
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KG4RUL
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Rating: 5/5
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Jun 15, 2005 21:28
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Still Working after all those Years
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I have owned by SM-50 for over two years (I originated this review thread May 2003) now. It still is an excellent portable antenna. I even used it as a base station with a rotator for several months. It is again going to field day weekend after next.
Dennis KG4RUL
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KX5F
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Rating: 5/5
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Jun 15, 2005 18:44
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Works great
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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Picked one up at the Dallas Hamfest this month, put it up and started working stations,easy to install, swr, no problem, Very satified so far with it. I have a small lot, so could not go with a larger antenna but the Moxon is abt right for smaller lots. Try it you will like it. 73s Pat kx5f
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K8UPA
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Rating: 5/5
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Mar 6, 2005 15:05
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Does what it says
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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Have to admit I only owned this for a very short period of time but that said, it performs as described. Excellent f/b ratio and will pull out weak signals. Have this one mounted but will definately pick one up for portable ops. Easily goes together within minutes. Highly recommend.
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KC9DOW
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Rating: 5/5
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Jan 10, 2005 10:13
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STEALTHY
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Time owned: 6 to 12 months
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I haven't worked any DX with it, in fact it was bought more for local use to pull the weak signals out of the noise and keep me from having to run a lot of power. Performance wise it was exactly what I needed and it really doesn't draw a lot of attention to itself on the roof which is always a good thing as far as the neighbors go. And it goes together in minutes
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K4MSG
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Rating: 5/5
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Aug 26, 2004 13:05
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Great value, superb construction
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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After using an attic dipole and 8 watts for a couple of years in my latest excursion back onto 6 meters, I decided to upgrade both the radio and the antenna. The radio is now an IC-706MkIIG and for an antenna I chose the Par Stressed Moxon based partly on price, partly on size, and partly on previous reviews. I was not disappointed! Assembly is very simple and adjustment is the same. What is most impressive is the construction, which is well thought out and IMO unbelievably clever. Even though mine is more-or-less permanently mounted below my 2-meter yagi - a simple installation because the antenna is so lightweight - this is a *GREAT* antenna from the standpoint of portability and I'll probably buy another one just for "mountain-topping." As for operation - well, it is just a 2-element beam and one cannot expect it to perform like a wide-spaced 6-element at 100'. That said, I am able to work out to 150 miles to similarly-equipped stations (I run 100w and the antenna is at about 24') and have worked out to 200+ miles to bigger stations - and this was when the band wasn't open! I can't wait for the next Es opening!!! VSWR was less than 1.5 with no adjustments. Par has done an exceptional job with this antenna from the standpoint of design, construction & performance and I only wish they made multiple-element VHF/UHF yagis or Quagis!
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