MQ26 user report
 

I recently posted about my experience ordering, assemblying and
installing an MQ26 antenna.

After a couple of weeks using it, I thought I'd post some additional
comments.

The MQ26 replaced a vertical antenna, a Cushcraft MA5V.

The first thing I noticed is the much reduced QRN... by several S
units on 20 meters, which was nearly unusable at my location with
the MA5V.

Since I don't have the vertical installed anymore, I can't compared
side by side while working the same remote station. However, the
reduction in QRN lets me hear a lot of stuff that previously was
drowned by the noise.

I haven't noticed a big front to back difference, but there's
definitely a difference to the sides.

Overall, I am pleased with the antenna. It seems to work as
advertised, it's fairly compact and lightweight, and assemblying it
and installing it were relatively low impact tasks.

I don't have any experience with other reduced size beams, so I
can't offer any kind of meaningful comparison.

73,

-jav w6vms