Antenna Time: Alpha Antenna HD FMJ Review

[@buzzsah]

A few years back, I purchased the Moto mobile and mounted it on the hood (using a hood mount) of my van, hooked to a Yaesu 891w/ the fc50 tuner. I live in CT. a few miles East of New Haven, and traveled I-95 from New Haven, to New London, days/night, all weather. While driving, I would make contact on 14.300, 14.400, 3 to 4 times a week, and talk for 5 minutes to 25 minutes. I now have it and hooking it up as a base unit using the 891 w/ fc50. Great antenna, and a pleasure to talk with the Alpha team.

[@kd2kub]

Thanks for posting this video. I am also an owner of this antenna kit, but have had considerable trouble getting this kit to tune and be effective in the field. Identical setup! I did use some di-electric Grease on connection points on each arrow segment for the vertical. It was better, but not good. I gave up and talked to Alpha antenna. They did suggest a wire 30' ~62' and 128' I used 128' of wire and it works very well. I Implemented this setup at my home. I am also in the process of making this antenna an NVIS for winter months.

[@n9oqu]

I put a locking washer on the ground wire connection because the wind will unscrew the whip if it is not tightened down.

[@FEPLabsRadio]

Thanks for the video, that signal coming from the radio is outstanding! Very clear. I'm still looking for a portable antenna to marry to my FT-891. This thing looks solid! No talk of radials at all for that thing? Regardless, great video, keep up the good work!

[@K5ATA]

Glad it was helpful! Nope... no radials with that dude. There is the NVIS kit that is just one wire that goes out. Other than that, just the short grounding cable. It's an amazing antenna... and the 7300 just makes it that much better. Thanks for watching, and thanks for joining, Jim!

[@boydy1936]

How many whisky’s did you use during the tube video?

[@Yukon12gauge00buck]

Helpful review how did you find it working different bands?

[@jbgreer]

Quick setup on that antenna. That is a monster of a tripod. How much does the kit weigh?

[@K5ATA]

Good question. I will weight it and let you know. Not nearly as much as you’d think, the tripod is aluminum.

[@wild-radio7373]

You are awesome!! 🤜🏻👍🤛🏻♡♡♡

[@bruhzooka]

I bet you pick up more chicks with an antenna like that than the law allows!

[@campingconcepts5880]

I have had my Alpha Antenna since 2017....... Never had an issue, great antenna for POTA and base for restricted communities

[@K5ATA]

I agree, I love this antenna!

[@karimmanassa9634]

I have a question after watching this awesome review. When you had your 7300 in the field, how did you ground it?

[@K5ATA]

I didn’t ground it. For POTA I rarely do. Thanks for watching!

[@carminebattista9857]

Hi K5ATA - I am new to HAM radio and am taking my licensing course in April. Question - I live in Manhattan. I am on the top floor (21st - so no one above me) with no building directly around me....I have a terrace and a balcony. Question I have is can I use this on my balcony and put the ground in one of my planter boxes...also - what was the SWR tester you used?

[@K5ATA]

This is going to take a little conversation. Drop me an email and I'd be happy to help you figure out a good soultion. [e-mail].

[@tonyd6884]

Did you get it working? There was a KZbinr who used this antenna with the jaw gripper on his condo balcony he seemed to do well with it. He has removed all his videos.

[@K5ATA]

The jaw gripper can work well. There are a lot of creative options out there depending on circumstances. Thanks for watching!

[@jakecoughlin]

This seems like a perfect option for a semi permanent or mobile antenna.

[@K5ATA]

It certainly could be. They have instructions on their site about using it as a mobile. Thanks for watching!

[@charleswoods4830]

Hello sir, I've got this. Santana waited a few weeks to get it and I can't get any piece of coax. I have connected to connect. There's not enough room under there and I ain't got to 50 foot cable directly from Alpha antenna can you tell me what I'm doing wrong?

[@K5ATA]

You should have an elbow coax adapter that comes off the antenna unit to make it so you can attach the coax

[@charleswoods4830]

@@K5ATA no, I didn't get that in my package. They are going to be sending me one.

[@deenunya7735]

Neat Antenna ..what was that Analyser make n model?

[@K5ATA]

It is the MFJ 223. I did a review on it not long ago on the channel. Great little tool. Thanks for watching.

[@deenunya7735]

@@K5ATA thanks will search ur catalogue

[@marcinmichigan2772]

you are using RFG *and* PREAMP ??

[@Jake-yv9cr]

Do you think this antenna would be a good base antenna? I have a concrete slab right next to my shack, and the roof is too small to mount anything sizable. Do you think this could withstand wind, rain, etc.?

[@K5ATA]

There are instructions included on mounting it as a more permanent installation. That makes me think they feel it can withstand the elements. Check there website out... the instructions are downloadable. I can say this about this antenna, it has not ceased to amaze me with what it can do. It's a great antenna!

[@paulhopman8793]

Looks like a great antenna, but a bit pricey for me. I hope it works out for you and the padawans.

[@KD2GIY]

I made a butt load of videos with this antenna

[@K5ATA]

Nice. I’ll check them out! Thanks for watching