It can easily be mounted on a roof (as I did in this case for the testing of the antenna). While height in most cases will improve performance, I found this antenna performed very well from anywhere around 12 feet off the ground up to 25 feet. Unlike many antennas the V-Quad doesn’t need to be mounted high up to get good results. Now don’t get me wrong – this isn’t a small antenna, and when you talk about 11 meter beam antennas small becomes a relative term, but this antenna is definitely “smaller” than most other beam antennas on the market. Once the antenna is mounted it may seem big but it is actually one of the smallest 11 meter beam antennas on the market and it takes up considerably less space than a comparable 3 element Yagi antenna.
This antenna is very light (8 lbs) so most TV antenna rotors can work in conjunction with the V-Quad. Since this antenna is a “directional” antenna many people choose to make them adjustable by using a rotor so they can point the antenna in the direction they wish to talk. This is accomplished by a special mounting plate that comes with U bolts. The completed antenna then needs to be attached to your mast. This is accomplished by a small coil you make using a piece of provided PVC and two rubber caps that go over your finished coil. On the driven element you just use the straight piece of wire, but on the director element you’ll need to shorten the wire for it to work properly. The last step in completing each element is to add the braided copper wire that connects each tip of the V and completes the “loop” of your antenna system. The gamma match also is where you attach the SO-239 connector where your coax will connect. The gamma match will assist you in tuning the antenna for a low SWR. Once you’ve attached the elements you then have to attach the gamma match to the driven element. You have to attach them at 90 degree angles so that they make the “V” of the antenna. The tubing pieces then attach to the boom using a special clamp system and U bolts. The screw pushes down and tightens the larger tubing around the smaller tubing so they are solidly connected. This is accomplished by sliding the smaller tubing into the larger tubing, sliding on a small oval shaped piece with a screw and a nut, and then tightening them down. One of the first steps in assembly is to connect together the pieces of aluminum tubing to create the radials that will become the elements for the antenna. The all-important instructions were also included. The parts all came packaged nicely and the smaller parts were packed in plastic bags. I didn’t see how it was possible that this V antenna was jammed inside this small box, but as I pulled out all the parts and pieces I found I had everything I needed. Upon receiving the box I was a bit concerned I had been sent the wrong antenna. These antennas are highly efficient and rival Yagi style antennas in performance.
Because it is a full wavelength antenna it means that there aren’t any coils in the antenna where you would normally encounter wattage losses. This antenna is a full wavelength loop antenna and is often referred to as a Delta loop type antenna. These two parts work together to direct your signal in one direction and to snag incoming signals coming from that direction. One element is the driven element and the other is a director. The V-Quad is an aluminum antenna that consists of a 6′ boom upon which two triangle shape elements are placed at either end. Most people have seen the popular Yagi style antennas that use three, four, or five elements and take up large amount of real estate in the sky, but many people aren’t familiar with smaller beam antennas such as the V-Quad. That’s where the Maco V-Quad makes its appearance.īeam antennas that use reflectors or directors can have a very positive effect on increased gain for receive and focusing transmit power for your outgoing signal. While adding things like amplifiers can make your signal be heard further away, they do nothing to help improve your receive abilities actually when you compare the increase in distance you gain with an amplifier versus a high gain antenna, you’re better off upgrading your antenna system.
As they progress in the hobby they eventually look for ways to upgrade their system to receive better and talk further. When most people buy their first base antenna for CB radio they pick up a simple vertical such as a A99, Imax, or Maco V-5/8.