Base Antenna Opinions

The Vector 4000 is designed after a Avanti Sigma 4 antenna, often considered on of the best antennas ever built, You would get great performance out of it but the metal used is kinda weak for areas with frequent high winds.

 

For an omnidirectional antenna it's hard to beat the IMAX 2000. You can get them most anywhere for around $100 shipped to your door. Assembly takes about 5 minutes and up they go! They are quite flexible in a high wind and easily handle up to around 90 MPH gusts.

Since they are just a simple vertical pole they can disappear against a clear sky. There are no radials or other appendages to the antenna although a ground plane kit is available for them. I've never used it and have been very satisfied with the performance. They are rated for up to 2,000 watts but I wouldn't run that much. I can state with certainty that they handle 800+ with ease.

A second choice would be the Antron 99 which is basically an IMAX that has two sections instead of three. Smaller, lighter and less expensive than the IMAX it is still a decent performer. Go with this if you are on a budget.

Don't overlook the coax! For runs under 100 feet I like to use RG8/U from Times Wire and Cable. For longer runs you might want to go with LMR-400. Make sure the outer casing is UV resistant. else it will deteriorate in the sun. And always, always solder the connections. Don't forget to ground the thing either!

 

I second the Imax 2000. I have one. Great antenna. i don't know though if that's too tall for you, but they're 24 ft. in length. The A99 is also pretty good but I like the Imax better.

 

You didn't say how much you want to spend on this antenna...

I just bought a Mr.Coily Enforcer .64 Ground Plane antenna, which is similar to a 5/8 ground plane only a little taller at around 21'...

First off..."They ain't cheap!" But they are built like a tank and can stand up to 100+ MPH winds...

I have mine right now sitting on a 4' fence post, and have been talking all over the Country with it, and Canada, and several contacts in Australia! And the thing is only 4' off the ground right now.

I have a Cobra 2000 GTL, and a little 1x3 tube amp that kicks out around 500w's and with the antenna not up in the air yet, it's talking like it was allreay 30'up....

I do have a 30' tower ordered for it, but it hasn't got here yet, so I can't wait to see what it will do once I get'er up in the air.

click on "Enforcer .64"
http://www.mrcoily.com/

 

I hear ya...Took me a year to convince myself to pull the trigger on one, but after reading posts from other's who bought one, you never run across anyone dissatisfied...Coily also has a waiting list to get these...I ordered mine back in June, and didn't get it till first week of September because of the people in front of me...Was worth the wait tho.

 

Antron 99 was a great tuneable antenna with a great "Q"
I think the company was bought out by "Solar" but its the exact same antenna with the base loaded tuning coils. You can get a great match with this baby!