Alpha Technical Services HF Folded Dipole Antenna

[@RESlusher]

Good job, Hank! Glad you're back to doing radio stuff again! We've missed ya!

[@Commsprepper]

Feels good to be back on topic. Space is needed for these types of videos. Hank

[@cpreston942]

Incidentally, I've enjoyed many of your previous informative videos, and you are performing a real service by researching and experimenting and publishing videos on technical subjects. Thanks.

[@Commsprepper]

Thank you for the comment and channel support.

[@shadowlab9543]

cool stuff, i tried cracking your code for about 5-6 hrs with no success. i was doing frequency analysis and the key space is so long that it makes analysis very difficult good job !!! and thanks for the tip about the ss eye bolt instead of the pulleys.

[@Commsprepper]

Glad to hear the code held up. I'm sure it's not the best but should do well for prepeprs if some basic operational discipline is followed. My not be a OTP but close. There maybe better than eye bolts but they have worked well for me. Thanks for the comments and channel support.

[@iPigee]

Very nice. Can’t wait to see it in operations. Welcome back to coms!!

[@gjnezat]

Are you going to place a reflector in the ground below? I've read it would help NVIS properties by adding wire mesh in the soil..

[@Commsprepper]

Not needed with this antenna. All I need to do is change the configuration from horizontal to inverted-V and it's NVIS between 1.8 to around 10mHz.

[@troynichols8026]

How deep did you set the poles and what size auger ? Were you able to set them using the backhoe? Did you set them with concrete? There is a market for refurbished pole I guess?

[@Commsprepper]

Poles are five feet deep. I set them with a backhoe. I did not use concrete as the poles are treated with old school creosote. Not sure what the market is. I paid 120 for each pole.

[@superacefanatic]

Sir what is the exact measurement of the wires

[@Commsprepper]

Contact the company. It's on the poles now and I can't lower it. Sorry.

[@iPigee]

Can you share a link to that antenna? Website fails to load.

[@Commsprepper]

You have to email or call them. They don't have a website right now. Phone [phone] [e-mail], ask for Paul

[@georgeriedel9357]

Glad your back Hank

[@Commsprepper]

Good to be back - if only for a few months.

[@DanaGould0]

What's the advantage of a folded dipole over a simple half wave dipole?

[@Commsprepper]

Folded dipoles are broadband and do not require a tuner. The model in this video covers 1.8 to 30 mHz.

[@bro.weaver1282]

Your HF email video was very helpful!

[@Commsprepper]

Glad it was helpful!

[@RealitySurvival]

Very Cool!

[@Commsprepper]

Thanks. It's nice to have space again to get back on topic.

[@consciousness1237]

Nice setup hows it perform recieve shortwave bands and swr on ham bands AA4CP Chuck Port Salerno FL

[@Commsprepper]

It's performing well for me. SWR is in specs but will have different readings based on local installation.

[@cpreston942]

Don't you sacrifice about 10 dB by having a terminating resistor to provide broadband low SWR? That would require generating 400 W of power input to a transmitter to get 200 W RF to the antenna to radiate 20 W. Why is the TFD better for amateur radio use than a multi band end-fed antenna like the MyAntennas EFHW-8010 with a broadband transformer that may lose 1-2 dB in matching? A good common mode choke can handle the EFHW RF current on the coax cable to the radio.

[@cpreston942]

I probably wasn't precise enough with my statement about wideband TFD performance. I had in mind NVIS, primarily on 160, 80, and 40 meters, and the loss of the TFD is higher at lower frequencies. Calculated and/or measured gain of a well known commercial 90 foot TFD in comparison to a standard dipole was approximately: -23 dB at 2 MHz; -11 dB at 3.5 MHz; -4 dB at 7 MHz, with both antennas horizontal and 30 feet above poor conductivity ground.

[@Commsprepper]

and your point is?

[@cpreston942]

@@Commsprepper For possible use during an emergency, especially one without commercial power, I don't understand a voluntary choice of communications equipment that is 3-10 times less power efficient than another choice with approximately equivalent performance. Is there some compelling feature of a TFD that I'm not seeing? The only one I can figure out is complete transmitting frequency mobility, not limited to amateur bands, but most amateur equipment doesn't have that flexibility.

[@rkaag99]

Do you think that would perform as a NVIS on 80/40? If so, maybe I can catch you on the air from southeastern PA sometime. Thanks for your videos!

[@Commsprepper]

Yes NVIS is possible. Send me an email with call sign and we can try a sched.

[@anothergoogleuser]

Yeah! Looking forward to this series, and being back on topic :-)

[@Commsprepper]

It will be a short series, tough to find allot of content around an antenna that just works but I will do my best.

[@anothergoogleuser]

@@Commsprepper My brother Mark and I was interested in using this for the long range communications that you have shown in the past, so our interest is high. Look forward to it, and all your videos. Thank you!

[@darrinpearce9780]

See a lot of folded dipoles in emergency service and commercial use here in VK land. Will be interested to hear your experience with this new purchase. 73's mate

[@Commsprepper]

Works great and I like the way it's made. I have used many other brands and I like this one the best.

[@Devin82m]

Very cool. Are you all back in the states now's?

[@Commsprepper]

For another month.

[@tunnelrabbit4293]

Looking forward to it!

[@NEW_GOO]

Catalog ?

[@Commsprepper]

You have to email or call them. They don't have a website right now. Phone [phone] [e-mail], ask for Paul

[@aw7425]

Welcome back, 73

[@Commsprepper]

Thanks

[@gjnezat]

t2fd dont get enough credit for performance. lower noise level for sure

[@Commsprepper]

T2FD? I don't know what that is.

[@jakelemay7913]

A radio video!

[@Commsprepper]

Yeh... it's been awhile.

[@marklowe7431]

It's interesting rhombics are considered incredible yet this antenna that essentially a crushed version gets a bad rap.

[@geraldfitzgerald89]

Hello Mark, yes, the T2FD gets a bar rap so as to speak. Having read the many reviews its apparent that some of people who have tried them had difficulty probably of their own making. I run 2 x T2FD's, one 66' and one 90' both of which I find really great all-round. For anyone who wants a good performer I highly recommend this type of antenna. More importantly, when guying one buy from a recognised manufacturer. 73's de EI6DP

[@1903A3shooter]

Boy that is a lot of $$$ for an Antenna, If it is one of those things that has a 270 ohm or so resistor in the center, waste of power. Take a look at the ZE6BKW that you can make in about 20 min, Mine matches 40,20,30, some on 12 and a small part of 10, with out tuner. Cost only some wire and 450 ohm open wire then fed with RG8X, you might need a bit more vertical on your poles. W4GSM.

[@williamjohnston3770]

Hey Brother thanks for sharing your ham experience. I can't pay for for your help, but I'm a Commercial Solar Contractor and if you're interested I want to offer Contractor pricing on any solar equipment you may want to do a DIY installation. Just message me again thanks and God bless y'all. Bill KN4CBG 73's