Finally got my Hy-Gain SPT 500 penetrator set up for 11 meter

[whiteastro]

well , pick your poison if you're gonna leave it stock . they don't have the length to actually be a 5/8 wavelength on the cb band . of course you can add a length of aluminum tube to make it a true 5/8 or .64 WL and there should be plenty of adjustment on the tapped ring for the extra length . i home brewed one years ago and it tuned just fine . those parts are now used on my home brewed sigma 4 /vector 4000 . if you already have the hygain it is a more durable antenna with beefier components and i would stick with it . it should be worth the extra effort to tune it .

a very nice thing about both of these antennas is that they don't have any hidden solder connections in the matching network so you don't have to worry about buying another antenna if/when it fails . just clean any corrosion off (if it develops) and stick it back up . however ..... sometimes moisture (rain/snow) can effect the tuning a point or two but if it's tuned adequately it shouldn't be a problem , unless you're a needle watcher .

For sure there is no perfect antenna and I'm done buying antennas. People tend to brag about what they have and not tell you the down side of it. I actually took my Super Penetrator down and have settled on just my Sirio Starduster because the SWR stays consistent in all weather. The Penetrator changed SWR considerably in the rain and turning on the amp compounded the problem. I have no time to baby sit a antenna because too many other things in life going on, and the Star Duster works in this valley. I have read in other posts people have found ways to eliminate the rain problem with the Penetrator but I have no time for that because of finishing work on my house. If I ever get out of here I might try a Beam antenna but for now my Sirio Star Duster serves me good enough and I have laid the Hype to rest. The only reason I mentioned the Maco V58 was because my locale CB shop has one set up and he says it isn't affected by rain, snow, or ice.