As I get past my beginner mode into mainstream DXing and contesting, several things are pausing me for upgrading the license.
1. 400W capability
2. Digital capability
3. a new Call Sign ;)
Already i used Hexbeam for last couple of years and have utilized it to the max extent. Now assuming i get license upgrade done soon, what is that i want to gain with station was my question. I did a small analysis of these facts.
| Antenna | Hex Beam | Spider Beam | ||
| Gain on 20m | 5.5 dbi | 6.7dbi | ||
| TX power (w) | ERP (w) | |||
| 50 | 177 | 233 | ||
| 400 | 1419 | 1870 | ||
| Type of upgrade | ERP Gain (W) | ERP Gain (Db) | Inverstment (Rs.) | Rs/W |
| hex to spider | 56 | 1.7 | 45000 | 804 |
| hex and amp | 1242 | 3.1 | 150000 | 121 |
| spider and amp | 1637 | 3.2 | 195000 | 119 |
As you can see, i am doing analysis of upgrading to Spiderbeam (3 elements on bands) and 400W amp (considering best in class new amp models).
Now check the gain increase factor, investment i need to do and also return on investment.
It does not make any sense to go from hex to spider only with out amp. Big plus would be if i invest in amp, a 3.1DB gain and Rs. 121 /Watt.
So natural progression would be dipole/inverted vee to a beam to an amp. And obviously one could get to the final state with tickets and $ in hand in first place itself ;))
So do your math and be on air. Its fun!
VU3KPL
