You don't want any antenna over 5/8 (or .64) wave. The radiation pattern of
an antenna after 5/8 wave becomes distorted and you loose valuable RF from
the horion to just about every where else...including straight up!

The Sigma IV is actually a 1/2 wave antenna. I know...you've read on here
where it says it is a 3/4 wave and is 27' long etc. While this is PHYSICALLY
true, it is not ELECTRICALLY true. The Sigma IV is much like a J-Pole for 11
meters. The area ABOVE the loop radiates your signal out. The area INSIDE
the loop/cone is part of the matching network.

The BEST antenna you can get is a 5/8 wave ground plane (for omni use).

If you don't want an antenna with ground radials, you have 2 good choices and
one bad choice (although it does work). I'd look at these antennas in this
order....

Shakespear NBS-2010 (5/8 wave fiberglass)
Solorcon I-MAX 2000 (.64 wave fiberglass)

(ug)
Antron 99 (1/2 wave fiberglass)

You can get anyone of these at Bill's 2 Way


If you want a decent ground plane antenna, get the Maco V58.

If you want the best, get the Interceptor 10K!!
http://www.a1antennas.com/

Tell me where in Southern CA you are and I can help you out! There is also a
very good tech over in Ontario. I'll hook you up!!!

Dino


Hello All
I am an English guy who has moved to California, I have a Galaxy SSB
base station, but, I really would like a good antenna, I had a great
SIGMA 4 made by Avanti many years ago in the UK, but dont see them
anymore.
Hate dipoles, just want a big stick in the air rather than reflectors
jutting out.
Whats the best on the market?
Is there a 7/8 available?
please help.
CARPY