DX Activation Plans
Part Five
Antenna Selection (Static Mobile)
Because of their increased size Home base aerials generally offer the best range for a CB Radio setup. The downside of this is that they are quite large and cumbersome when trying to carry them to a DX location. In some cases it just isn't feasible to pack a full size aerial and mast to use in a DX activation.There ae however some instances when a Homebase aerial could be used particularly in a Static Mobile set up. Most Homebase aerials would require a metal mast and some kind of guying system to support them when they are erected in a temporary location.
A possible alternative to guy lines is a drive on mount. This creates a sturdy base for an aerial mast which is supported by the weight of your car. This can be kept in the back of your car until needed and would form the base of your aerial mast when you get to your DX location. So along with your sectional mast you then the ability to erect your choice of Homebase aerial.
Below are some possible options for a Homebase aerial to use in a DX activation.
Silver Rod
One of the most affordable options for a Homebase aerial would be the Sigma Venom half wave and along with a mast and drive on mount or guy rope system would give a great range for a static mobile DX activation. The overall bulk and weight of a set up like this would make it too difficult to carry in certain circumstances.
Check out the Sigma Venom Half wave
Antron 99
The Solarcom Antron A99 is a popular aerial amongst home base users and using a similar set up to the Sigma Venom could be erected in the same way at a DX location. It costs more thann the Venom but does provide good ranges when used either in a Homebase set up on the side of your home or as a static mmobile set up at a DX location
Check out the Solarcomm Antron A99
Sigma Excalibur
Another home base aerial that might be suitable for DX activations is the Sigma Excalibur as it has a shorter length than some of the other Homebase antennas on the market. As with other Homebase aerials requires a mast and U bolts to erect but is an affordable alternative to some other similar aerials. Because of its slightly shorter length however it may not provide the same kind of range as some of the other aerials mentioned but because of its more compact size may make it slightly moe portable than some other aerials.
Erecting a Homebase aerial for DX Activations
There is a great YouTube video made by 26CT965 about erecting a halfwave antenna on a 20 foot mast in the field which explains a lot about how a Homebase aerial can be erected for remote DX activations.
YouTube Video
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