On Mon, 14 Sep 2009 03:53:48 -0700, nm5k wrote:

On Sep 13, 9:05Â*pm, JIMMIE wrote:
On Sep 13, 6:35Â*pm, wrote:



On Sep 13, 5:21Â*am, Chuck Forsberg WA7KGX N2469R
wrote:

The B version has a piece of mast below the main part of the
antenna. Â*Is there much difference in performance between the arx2b
and the original arx2?

--
Chuck Forsberg Â* Â*www.omen.comÂ*503-614-0430
Developer of Industrial ZMODEM(Tm) for Embedded Applications
Â* Omen Technology Inc Â* Â* Â*"The High Reliability Software"
10255 NW Old Cornelius Pass Portland OR 97231 Â* FAX 629-0665

There is no extra mast. You are using the support mast below the feed
point. The extra parts are a 50 inch length of coax, and a union to
support a set of 20 inch long radials. The radials are connected to
the shield of the coax. Years ago I converted an original Ringo
Ranger to a Ringo Ranger two using home brew parts. I then did
comparison tests with and without the radial set. Made a huge
difference in performance in my case. Cushcraft seemed to consider it
a third 5/8 WL element, but I tend to consider it a decoupling
section much like the lower cone you see on an Isopole, or using a
2nd set of radials or cones below a ground plane. Yes, it is worth
converting. The ARX2B is a pretty good antenna. Not quite as good as
the Isopole, but close.

I have seen people swear by and swear at Ringo Rangers. Is this because
of by chance some people get the right/wrong length mast and/ or coax
length?

Jimmie

That could be the case with the non decoupled version. :/ But the RR2 is
a pretty good antenna. I used one for a long time and never had any
problems.
The mast and coax length could be fairly critical on the non decoupled
version.
Like I said, I converted an old ARX2 to a ARX2B and then compared the
two when receiving local signals. The difference in my particular case
was quite large. I'm talking 2-3+ S units on the radio meter which
actually would be a huge difference. It was quite apparent that the
common mode currents were really whacking the pattern on the one I tried
without the decoupling section. I assume most was from the feed line.


what is the easiest/cheapest way to add the decoupling?
Just add some 1/4 wavelength radials 1/2 wavelength below
the arx2?



--
Chuck Forsberg www.omen.com 503-614-0430
Developer of Industrial ZMODEM(Tm) for Embedded Applications
Omen Technology Inc "The High Reliability Software"
10255 NW Old Cornelius Pass Portland OR 97231 FAX 629-0665