[amsat-bb] Re: Elk Antenna vs Arrow Antenna

[n3tl@bellsouth.net]

Mr. Cole and all,

When comparing the two antennas - having owned and used both - each is quick-take-down and extremely portable. The Elk has 10 elements to attach to its single-piece boom, and the elements and their attachment points are color-coded. The Arrow also has 10 elements, but each one is in two parts (lke the boom) so there are 20 pieces to match for assembly. 

Elk makes a heavy storage case with hook-and-loop closures for it's antenna that includes a large front storage pouch. I'm confident that pouch was designed to hold the original mount for the antenna, which is intended for a mast. Here, I can fit the antenna and the handle I made for it in the main compartments. The front pouch holds my HT, coax, extra battery pack, digital audio recorder and handheld GPS unit with a bit of room left over. So I have a travel case for my entire handheld station. 

I did the same as you with the PVC "hard travel case," and both antennas fit in it. The Elk's boom is 24 inches.

73 to all,

Tim - N3TL
-------------- Original message from Edward Cole <kl7uw at acsalaska.net>: -------------- 


> One last comment that may help your decision: The Arrow comes as a 
> portable take-apart version. All the elements unscrew and the square 
> tubing boom comes apart to fit in 24-inch long package. I bought a 
> 25-inch by 2-inch diameter PVC tube with end caps (sewer pipe to 
> most) to carry my Arrow on board airlines back before 911. Handy way 
> to travel with a dual-band HT and enjoy operating Leos. I believe 
> one of the ham accessory mfrs sell a fabric tote sack for the Arrow. 
> 
> 73, Ed - KL7UW 
> 
> At 01:06 PM 12/28/2008, Trey Brown wrote: 
> >Thanks for everyone's comments. I think will probably end up purchasing both 
> >and using them on a couple passes and then deciding which one would be 
> >better for me and returning the other. Both companies offer refunds, so that 
> >may be the best route for me. I just can't get over the fact that I've 
> >talked to and read what quite a few hams have had to say regarding the 
> >arrow, and I can't see why they would use one for multiple years if it was 
> >so horrible, so that leads me to think I may like it better, but we'll see! 
> > 
> >On Fri, Dec 26, 2008 at 8:00 PM, Trey Brown wrote: 
> > > I'm looking to get started in FM satellites and am considering 
> > > purchasing one of these antennas. Wanting to get some thoughts and 
> > > opinions from people that have been doing this longer than I have 
> > > been. 
> > > 
> > > http://www.elkantennas.com/2m4405element.htm 
> > > http://arrowantennas.com/146-437.html 
> > > 
> > > -- 
> > > Trey -- N5THX 
> > > 
> > > They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary 
> > > safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety. 
> > > - Benjamin Franklin 
> > > 
> > 
> > 
> > 
> >-- 
> >Trey 
> > 
> >They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, 
> >deserve neither liberty nor safety. 
> >- Benjamin Franklin 
> >_______________________________________________ 
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