Diamond V2000A Tuning for 6M

[TXFitz]

Recognizing the V2000A is very narrow banded on 6M, what would be the most used freq range for voice that I should tune the antenna to? I will likely modify the antenna with 145cm radials at a later date so just looking for optimum freq for voice for tuning as it is. I am in N. Texas if that matters. Thanks.

 

[AK9R]

The optimum frequency will depend on who you plan to communicate with on 6m.

If there are 6m repeaters in your area, you may want to tune the antenna for the frequencies of those repeaters. The 6m FM calling frequency in most parts of the country is 52.525 MHz, so you may want to tune your antenna for that frequency.

 

[prcguy]

I have a lot of 6m repeaters in my area but I usually tune my 6m antennas for the SSB portion of the band, roughly 50.1 to 51.0MHz. You might see if there is much SSB activity in your area.

 

[AK9R]

What's your experience been using vertical antennas for 6m SSB?

 

[prcguy]

Good, lots of contacts local and DX. Many people run horizontal for 6m SSB but they usually have an omni they can switch in. In the Dallas/Ft Worth area I see an FM net on 52.525 Wednesday nights, a 50.125 SSB net Sunday night at midnight and a possible AM net on 50.400 Wednesday nights.

What's your experience been using vertical antennas for 6m SSB?

 

[bobruzzo]

I just got a Diamond V2000A. I tuned it according to the instructions for middle of voice portion. It is VERY narrowbanded. Right now my swr is pretty much 1:1 from 52.490 to 52.590. But if I stray beyond those edges the swr rapidly climbs too high to use. I am using an IC 7300 and LDG AT 200 Pro II Tuner. I was surprised when I saw the tuner would'nt tune this antenna beyond what I had set the 6 meter radial for. It works fine for freqs I tuned it for on 6 meters. I use it basically for local ragchewing with friends cause 10 meters too noisy in my location. 6 very quiet and better range. So I guess if I want to use SSB I can throw up a 6m dipole or something but for now I am pretty satisfied. I was just kinda disappointed cause tuner wont tune most of the band. But I guess 6 is a pretty wideband anyway.

 

[popnokick]

My V2000 is tuned for 52.525. However I added the additional radials described elsewhere here on RR and the web and my LDG IT-100 does allow it to tune on 50.450 with 3:1 SWR. But that gets me into our local 50.450 SSB net everyday. My OCFD antenna did better on 6M SSB than the V2000, but hasn’t been repaired yet since a storm took down half of it. So I’m getting by with the V2000.

 

[TXFitz]

Thanks fellas. I'll tune for 52.525 and will see how it goes.

 

[TXFitz]

Got it erected today. It's on a 30 ft flag pole mounted to a heavy gauge 4x4 metal post cemented 4 ft in the ground. I built it with a hinge mechanism with the mast riding on a flange which allows me to put it up by myself. Thanks for the input.

 

[bobruzzo]

I am noticing when it rains, my SWR got higher and my LDG AT 200 Pro will not tune it. I am thinking water might be getting in the 6 meter radial where the whip screws into it. I stupidly forgot to wrap that section with butyl weatherproof wrap. The coax connection is well sealed up....once it dries up outside, the SWR returns to normal.

 

[prcguy]

Rain in the threads of the radial will not really do anything, it still makes contact.

I am noticing when it rains, my SWR got higher and my LDG AT 200 Pro will not tune it. I am thinking water might be getting in the 6 meter radial where the whip screws into it. I stupidly forgot to wrap that section with butyl weatherproof wrap. The coax connection is well sealed up....once it dries up outside, the SWR returns to normal.

 

[bobruzzo]

My V2000 is tuned for 52.525. However I added the additional radials described elsewhere here on RR and the web and my LDG IT-100 does allow it to tune on 50.450 with 3:1 SWR. But that gets me into our local 50.450 SSB net everyday. My OCFD antenna did better on 6M SSB than the V2000, but hasn’t been repaired yet since a storm took down half of it. So I’m getting by with the V2000.

Rain in the threads of the radial will not really do anything, it still makes contact.

OK so maybe that just the way that antenna is, I have read many posts of people who complained of high swr when it rains regardless of the antenna. But this is the only antenna I have that does this.

 

[prcguy]

On some of these type antennas if you don't goop up the threaded junction in the middle of the antenna with some sealant they can leak. The water will then run down inside the antenna and get soaked up by some foam rubber spacers and can also fill up the bottom of the antenna where there are matching components. You would have to take the antenna down, take it apart and see if any water comes out to know if its a problem.

OK so maybe that just the way that antenna is, I have read many posts of people who complained of high swr when it rains regardless of the antenna. But this is the only antenna I have that does this.

 

[bobruzzo]

On some of these type antennas if you don't goop up the threaded junction in the middle of the antenna with some sealant they can leak. The water will then run down inside the antenna and get soaked up by some foam rubber spacers and can also fill up the bottom of the antenna where there are matching components. You would have to take the antenna down, take it apart and see if any water comes out to know if its a problem.

Yes I did seal up the middle section with sealer. And tightened up everything.

 

[prcguy]

Water on the outside of this type antenna should not cause any significant change in SWR, I believe water has to be inside around the matching components.

Yes I did seal up the middle section with sealer. And tightened up everything.

 

[bobruzzo]

Water on the outside of this type antenna should not cause any significant change in SWR, I believe water has to be inside around the matching components.

I might have to take whole thing down and look closer. I did seal up that middle section pretty good. And tightened everything but I am still wondering if water could be getting inside where that small screw secures the whip into the coil part. And where whip slides into the coil. I didnt think to waterproof those 2 spots.

 

[prcguy]

The threaded holes for the radials should be blind holes, meaning they don't go through to the insides. I would be surprised and disappointed if they did.

I might have to climb up ladder and unscrew that radial and see if water getting in somehow. I checked swr this morning and it was back to normal

 

[bobruzzo]

The threaded holes for the radials should be blind holes, meaning they don't go through to the insides. I would be surprised and disappointed if they did.

Those holes are! Its really tough to figure this out. I assembled the antenna exactly like the manual said, measured the 6m radial whip exactly. As soon as rain stopped and wind picked up a little, SWR was back to 1:1!

 

[TXFitz]

Scanned the V2000a today. Impressed with the low VSWR on 440 up through 470 (under 1.5 across) which is great since I can use it with GMRS as well. 2M was just ok and 6M was very narrow as everyone else has indicated. I'll likely do the 145cm radial mods this spring. Will be interested to see if that affects the higher freqs.

 

[vagrant]

Thanks for posting your sweep of that antenna.