Shakespeers BIG STICK Antenae ?

[EKLB]

Think my spelling on shakespeers wrong but anyway.

I have a Shakespeer BIG STICK base station antenae.

Cant say for sure the model number but its intended for CB use originaly in th 27 mhz band.

Anyone know what its actual operating specs are as to possible use in the
10 or 12 meter HAM band ?

Any other good use it may have that you know of other than a long fishing pole ?

Thanx EKLB

[jim]

Trim the top section until it tunes to your band. They work fine at 33 MHz.

[wa2zdy]

The Big Stick was one of the better antennas on the chicken band back in the 1970s. They held up well under the all conditions and were overall good. They are coaxial or sleeve type center fed dipoles, so there's no gain, but they keep the signal flowing.

As Jim said, just trip the top down for resonance.

And also take note the top whip is no more than an old fibreglass CB whip. The thread is standard 3/8-24 and thus any CB type whip will thread into the bottom section. If replacement is needed, you're set.

Good luck.

[AEC]

Been a long time since I've seen those surface.

Good antennas, but as noted previously, they were NO gain coaxial antennas with a fiberglas whip.

Ti make it stand up better to winter, high winds etc....Change the top section with a stainless steel whip cut to resonance on the band of choice...11-6 Meters, it's simple, cheap and WORKS!

The chrome plated top cap has a solder connection there, it's prone to failure over the years, so I would inspect that point and resolder it if it looks suspicious, then seal it.

After many years of use, the coax that runs down the inside of the tube will probably need replacing and may also suffer from moisture ingress.

Rebuild it to save future troubles.

[EKLB]

I normaly wouldnt have done much with it but its new in the box.

(Box still intact and stapled shut on each end with metal caps in place )

Box tube pretty worn and tattered but the antenae itself with a wet rag run over it appears new. ( Pretty thing)( Too bad it was a CB base antenae)

Box Tube looks factory sealed.

Id be interested in possibly putting it into use as 6 meters.

Any idea what the trim length should be ?

EKLB

[va3wxm]

For 6 you're looking at a radiator of about 56". I'd start and 60" and trim down from there using an antenna analyzer.

[jim]

I've also used the stainless whip on them- they hold up longer than the 'glass.

You should see what happens to one when you hit it with 1.5KW on 11meters!

[AEC]

Jim:

I know what they turn into after that!

I also saw what was left of one that was blasted by a direct lightning hit as well........Fiberglas all over four yards of people's homes!

Just one more reason to use a stainless whip.