HF Antenna I now use after being out of radio for 5 years. I got the itch this past summer to start playing radio again. Having sold off my last station I promised the XYL that I would go slowly and inexpensive, to start, this time. My current location unfortunately does not allow many options for antennas. I tried using a G5RVjr but was very dissatisfied with its performance.
After reading many reviews I started looking at the Alpha more seriously. Based on the reviews and cost I decided to give it a try. Because this is a straightforward vertical, installation is very easy, no tuning stubs or coils to adjust, no analyzer needed and took less than 5 mins to install. After installing the Alpha Antenna, it easily tunes 80 – 6 at < 1.3:1 as promised.
Next, I just started listening around the bands, this is when I realized just how deaf my G5RVjr was compared to the Alpha. Transmitting with this antenna was just as much a surprise. I have made numerous stateside, European, and South American contacts, normally on just my first or second call. This morning however showed me the performance of this antenna. From my QTH in Southeast North Carolina, I was able to receive a 57 report from VK land. Not bad considering I am only running 100 watts from a TS-520.
I have had experience with another vertical prior to going QRT, which was a GAP Challenger and have many of the same issues as the DX Commander). I can say that after investing over $300.00 for the GAP, and another $300.00 for an antenna analyzer, which I found necessary to get all the tuning stubs properly tuned, my Alpha runs circles around the GAP. You just cannot go wrong with this antenna if towers and beams are not possible for you.
W4SFC
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