[Antennas] Lightning Bolt Antennas

Fri Jun 24 22:09:56 EDT 2005

Hi Gary,
I have a lightning bolt quad, got it second hand from a good friend, 9M6CT.
He has another one up on the tower at his QTH in Kota Kinabalu and I have
also installed a new 2 element lightning bolt for another friend HS0ZDX.
>From what I can tell you all three of us CT, ZDX and myself ZED, all think
very highly of this antenna. Like most antennas there are a couple of points
to watch when assembling but it is a simple antenna to put together and the
instructions, though perhaps not presented like those of a kilobuck antenna
are clear and accurate. Probably the most amazing thing about the lightning
bolt is it's price. For a commercial antenna it really does seem to be
exceptional value for money. Will go on a light duty tower and can be turned
by a fairly light duty rotator.
In use it seems a good performer. I have mine on an 80 foot tower and I am
just using the single feedline option. SWR is pretty flat across the band
though if anything I could do to shorten the 20 and 15 elements a little as
the 1:1 point is a touch low in the band. All three lightning bolt antennas
that I am familiar with have be assembled exactly in accordance with the
manufacturers instructions and all three worked first time in terms of SWR
and working people.
I have no idea what the absolute gain figures are nor do I know what the
absolute F/B figures are but it works, it works well, and it's a bargain.
Oh, last point, on top of an 80 foot tower it looks tiny!
73
Martin HS0ZED, G4UQF

-----Original Message-----
From: antennas-bounces at mailman.qth.net
[mailto:antennas-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Gary Smith
Sent: 25 June 2005 07:14
To: antennas at mailman.qth.net
Subject: [Antennas] Lightning Bolt Antennas
Has anyone had any experience with the 2 element quad or the 2 element
delta-loop on HF? I am trying to make a decision on a directional antenna
and am looking for feedback on overall performance, front-to-back and
side-to-side, construction quality, etc. I've read the E-Ham reviews but
there are not very many people who have expressed their opinions.
Thanks in advance for the help!
73 de Gary
WA1TJB

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