Testing the Sirio Performer 5000

[scanhermit]

I bought the above-named antenna - I already have a PNI ML145 so I decided to get the Sirio and use it static mobile only, from the same mag mount. I hadn't managed to test it properly since I bought it but i got my answer on Garrowby hill last night. The SWR 2 was on UK40 and 1.7 on EU. I fixed a makeshift counterpoise to the battery negative wire terminal and it dropped to 1.5 on UK40 and almost flat 1 on EU.

Now the results to three people located 12-15 miles from me. My little PNI ML145 beat the Sirio Performer. It was one S point higher and my audio was better on the PNI. In one case it was the difference between being heard and not being heard.

You heard right - a 4.5ft PNI whip beat the mighty 6ft Sirio Performer 5000. I don't believe there is anything wrong with the Sirio - it probably just doesn't get along with my 6" mag mount on the roof of my Dacia. I'm not going to drill so maybe a boot/hatch mount at the rear will do the trick.

If I want to spend more money. Things have got tighter of late so I may be flogging the Sirio

[Mudslinger]

My brother has one (the light up version), I don't think it is that fantastic either.

The 4000 models were Sirio's best antenna.

[scanhermit]

It's certainly not fantastic if a shorter PNI beats it. I might try isolating the coax and improving the grounding but I have a feeling that it won't improve matters much.

[scanhermit]

One regular contact told me to pop round after I finished because he had something I should try. He's given me a Springer plus mag mount he had spare.

I know what you think of Springers but I parked up 4 miles across the city and tested it to him and another breaker. The Springer beat the PNI. Of course, I know this relegates the PNI to "more crap than the springer"

There is a loose connection at the plug end of the Springer mag mount and the cable has bulges, and the braid peeking at one point. I think I can replace the cable and then ive got both S0239 and 3/8 mounts.

[grafter]

I'm not going to drill so maybe a boot/hatch mount at the rear will do the trick.

If I want to spend more money. Things have got tighter of late so I may be flogging the Sirio

I've just bought one of these www.aliexpress.com/item/1005007096132962.html
It looks like a K400 copy but the reviews are good so once it arrives I'll get it connected.

Also ordered a pack of bonding straps to connect either side of the hatch back to the main body, it's not worth making them for the price of these. https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005011828699153.html

[scanhermit]

Thanks grafter, that looks like a cheap way to see if the Sirio is worth keeping.

[scanhermit]

I got the multimeter out and found continuity between the hinged section and the whip. I had fastened the counterpoise to the hinge end so it must have basically formed part of the radiator. That might explain the performance.

[Mudslinger]

Another antenna which is hard to beat is an Original Modulator. They are large but not Sirio 4000 large.

[scanhermit]

Just after buying the Sirio I was told my rent is going up. My current thinking is on saving money so I might be flogging the Sirio anyway. If not, I'll try cheap things such as isolating the coax.

I won't be trying multiple mobile antennas. If I don't keep the Sirio I'll be using my T2LT on my telescopic pole for static mobile and be using the PNI and Stinger for running around. Mobile, I could be heard above the hash about 7 miles away on the PNI and Thunderpole TX. That's not bad going and I think I'll stick with it until I'm happier with my finances.