From k7tjr at msn.com Wed Aug 22 23:20:05 2012 From: k7tjr at msn.com (Lee K7TJR) Date: Wed, 22 Aug 2012 20:20:05 -0700 Subject: [Hi-zreceivingarraydiscussions] new system online Message-ID: On Monday Tim and I built a Hi Z Antenna four square array, with assistance last Friday from W8TN in laying out the vertical locations. This is the first one of these systems in use around these parts. We were very careful to accurately measure the array layout and all of the interconnecting cables. At the end of the day, it was with great anticipation and some apprehension that the power switch was turned on for the Hi Z system. Signals poured forth from Tim's K3 on the high end of the AM broadcast band, much to our relief. Whenever I build a RX antenna, the first tests are always run on the high end of the AM band. The front to back ratio and sensitivity of the Hi Z system was amazing. On just about every AM channel, we could separate several stations simply by rotating the switch. On one frequency, the Hi Z four square produced an S9 signal which could not be detected at all by Tim's 1/4 wave transmit L. Later that night, Tim worked two EU stations on 160 that were not detectable on his transmit antenna. On 80 and 40M, Tim could copy signals that could not be copied and in some cases even detected on the xmit antennas. The first day results made a believer out of me! If my hilltop were not so congested, I would install one of these systems, without hesitation. Unfortunately, the clear space is just not available. Guess I am stuck with short beverages and dual flags on the sides of the hill, same as the last few seasons. NH8S upcoming on Swains Island will have two of these Hi Z four square arrays for the low bands. I expect they will be able to hear well! WVDXA has two ops on the Swains expedition: W8TN and W8HC. GL in the chase! 73 Charlie N8RR From k7tjr at msn.com Wed Aug 22 23:22:20 2012 From: k7tjr at msn.com (Lee K7TJR) Date: Wed, 22 Aug 2012 20:22:20 -0700 Subject: [Hi-zreceivingarraydiscussions] new system online Message-ID: Thank You Charlie, from the team at Hi-Z Antennas. There is myself, K7TJR, my associate Dick KO7N, and Travis my technician. We do it all. And I must say it is fun because of people like you. I have known for several years that this Hi-Z stuff might just be part of the future of Ham Radio. In all the years of testing antennas and modelling them the Hi-Z stuff is the only antennas I have ever been able to design model and measure and then plug the measurements back into the model and have the results match within a dB or so. In the past with Beverages and loops etc, the comments were always that; wow you are seeing 20 dB front to back, it is working. I was never satisfied until the measurements matched my own models almost perfectly. This of course meant that at some times you might just see as much as 40 dB front to back ratio and typically 30dB. Not everytime of course. Signals vary a LOT! I love to share the story of my first Hi-Z 8 element array. After building 5 complete versions of 8 element arrays that harbored various real and serious problems I decided that I would build one last version of my unique design with everything upgraded to the very best of my ability. Like you, the first night I fired up the array it began to work. After listening for a few minutes, which was likely a couple hours, I pushed myself back in the operating position chair and said out loud to myself. Oh my God, what have I done. After about 8 to 10 years it had finally come together and I knew without any doubt the array was perfectly predictable and mimicing the model. I had several Snoopy dance moments. So again we thank you for the wonderful review as we try to give this kind of value to every customer. Could I have permission to post this to our Hi-Z reflector page? Thanks again. Lee K7TJR and all the guys at Hi-Z From k7tjr at msn.com Wed Aug 22 23:47:41 2012 From: k7tjr at msn.com (Lee K7TJR) Date: Wed, 22 Aug 2012 20:47:41 -0700 Subject: [Hi-zreceivingarraydiscussions] ready Message-ID: Greetings all, It has been way too long since I sent a note to this reflector about what is going on at Hi-Z. Travis and I have been building ahead a lot of inventory for the fall rush. We are presently in a position to supply any of the products from inventory. We are continuing to build inventory as we are totally caught up after resuming business. Orders continue to arrive daily and we are grateful for them. We are excited to see a couple systems coming on line in Japan this year. I need to count the countries we are installed in and report it here. It is amazing. The new plus-6 amps have been a real hit and are now exceeding the sales of the original Hi-Z amp. We will be shipping the regular Hi-Z amp in the new weather resistant enclosure very soon. We are simply waiting for a shipment of connectors as the design is firm now. We will continue to keep a few of the older amps around for replacement or spares. There are some exciting new ideas swirling around in engineering as we continue to look for that extra edge we have been able to supply so far. One of the things that keeps popping up is what can be done in limited space. We are looking into some promising ideas for the small back yards. We are also looking at a few things other than the RX arrays as new products. Lee K7TJR and the Hi-Z antennas crew.