Kevin (and others) What the deal is- that the original ARX-2 (not
De-coupled) allows rf to go on the outside sheath of the coax, allowing
it to become part of the antenna system. The decoupleing stub- with
1/4 wave ground plane radials, forces the rf off the coax below
the radials, allowing 2 features- 1) minimizes rf feedback towards the
rig (eliminates rf burns, in high power, and 2) makes the antenna
radiate simetrically (when the coax shield radiates, it distorts the
antenna pattern, both in recieve, and transmit.) Realistically, it
probably makes little difference, overall, but was a sales pitch,
started by AEA, on its Isopole antenna. Was demonstrated at Seattle
ARRL convention side by side- The coax from the (original) ARX-2
would light a lamp on a RF sniffer, held next to the coax-- the ISOPOLE
didn't! Cushcrafts response was the ARX-2B (and a mod kit for the
ARX-2), that eliminated this coax radiation! You can easily duplicate
the effect with 3- 19 inch pieces of aluminium wire, to the mast , held
on with a hose clamp! (dont forget to also attach that coax shield, at
that point! ) Jim NN7K


...
I bought one of these at a hamfest from a SK's estate and thought it was a
ARX-2 and then noticed the 52" coax harness attached to it and realized
that it was probably a ARX-2B which seems to be the same except for the 3
radials which I guess didn't get sent to the hamfest.

Reviews of these 2 antennas seem to almost use the 2 model numbers
interchangeably so the question is... Is it worth making up a radial
system and taking another 5 feet of mast to re-manufacture this thing
into a ARX-2B?

What would be the advantage? Maybe somebody's used both.

Thanks,- I was sure somebody out there knew this

Kevin VE9-XYZ