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Diamond Antenna Woes

Karl Zuk
 

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My exact problem too!

In my case, the long mobile 2m monoband whip they offer. One day it simply died. All the componentry is sealed in-so no repair possible.

Similarly, poor performance with friend's Diamond base antennas. Either blows up or dies from water ingress.

Comet is sweet. I highly recoomend the GP-3. One piece construction and the beam isn't so flat like the GP-9. I think the GP-3 comboned with a 50 watt Yaesu mobile is the perfect combo that should last forever. Make sure to use black goop seal on the outdoor connector. You will be all set for the long run!

IMHO ?Karl Zuk ?N2KZ

On Oct 31, 2023, at 12:40 PM, Chris Smart <ve3rwj@...> wrote:

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Avoid Diamond!

Interesting. Can you elaborate?

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I bought a diamond X510HDM dual-band vertical, their version of the Comet GP-9, specifically because they claim it could handle 330 W FM on 2 meters, an 250 W FM on 70 CM. I wasn’t going to run quite that much, and quite a bit less power than that immediately fried the little capacitors in the antenna.

To say I was annoyed is an understatement.

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A friend took the antenna apart and replaced the caps with larger ones, and I have had no problems since. But still, I would be wary of their power-handling specifications.

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Chris

?
 

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Actually, I think the right Comet vhf/uhf vertical is the CX-333.

Decent amount of gain and a nice pattern on 2M, 1.25M, and 70CM, and it can handle 100 W on all three.

Perfect for the ARRL VHF contest FM-only category.

?
 

Good evening?
We seem to have wandered to base antennas.
All of my HTs use the appropriate SR77
Including my FT60.?

I have used I think it is the RH77 mag mount for about 16 years. I went to antenna 2 on vehicle 3 because the first was getting rusty.

I had a X30 vertical that is still in use with owner 2.
It was replaced by a X300 because others could pull in a station 70 miles away on 2m simplex and I struggled.

If I could not get a Diamond, I would buy a similar Comet.

In 16 years have never contacted Diamond for parts or service.


I don’t run over 75 watts on 2m though and mostly it’s 50.

In short I like Diamonds. And based on my Comet HF vertical I have no complaints.

73
Frank
KB3PQT?
Karl Zuk
 

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The CX-333 is two sections - about twice the height - and about twice the price. It's your preference.

I find the two section or more antennas encounter weather problems. The taller you go you certainly get more gain overall but the beam becomes much more narrow like a tight searchlight. The smaller GP-3 is manageable to mount at just under six feet. It has a broader beam to manage filling coverage holes due to terrain. It's at a price point good for average users.

The CX-333 is a mighty antenna but it costs as much as a basic mobile rig. If you want penetrating gain you could also try a Arrow 4 element Yagi and a rotor. It has a fairly tight nose and it is very effective and directional. An omni wastes power radiating eveywhere instead of concentrating on your target. I just had a ?700 mile QSO with my 4 element mounted indoors!?

The reason that all these models are offered is that everyone has different personal goals and preferences. I suggested the GP-3 as a good basic antenna for a beginner and not for a all guns drawn contester.

Respectfully offered.... ? Karl ?N2KZ



On Oct 31, 2023, at 5:30 PM, Chris Smart <ve3rwj@...> wrote:

?

Actually, I think the right Comet vhf/uhf vertical is the CX-333.

Decent amount of gain and a nice pattern on 2M, 1.25M, and 70CM, and it can handle 100 W on all three.

Perfect for the ARRL VHF contest FM-only category.

?
 

My CX-333 has been up more than 25 years, with absolutely no problems whatsoever. No moisture problems at the coupling - I check every five years. And, ?of course, ?using 9913 cable. It is a phenomenal tri-band performer for California, where we all live in Valleys, looking at our hilltop repeaters. I run 15 W - maybe 20 W - and I hit everything I need to hit.
--
Clint Bradford K6LCS
http//www.work-sat.com
Karl Zuk
 

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Proving that Comet makes superior antennas!

Karl ?N2KZ

On Oct 31, 2023, at 8:22 PM, Clint Bradford via groups.io <clintbradford@...> wrote:

?My CX-333 has been up more than 25 years, with absolutely no problems whatsoever. No moisture problems at the coupling - I check every five years. And, ?of course, ?using 9913 cable. It is a phenomenal tri-band performer for California, where we all live in Valleys, looking at our hilltop repeaters. I run 15 W - maybe 20 W - and I hit everything I need to hit.
--
Clint Bradford K6LCS
http//www.work-sat.com

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