SCORPION SA-680 BLACK WIDOW - HF Mobile Antenna

Another ham radio upgrade: The Scorpion SA-680 is often said to be the best mobile HF antenna that money can buy. I opted for the Black Widow, powder coated in gloss black. Every HF antenna presents a compromise on the HF bands, especially when mounted to a small car such as the Golf/GTI. Still, I opted to get a high-end antenna to better my odds of getting out a better signal.
My Amazon Storefront: www.amazon.com/shop/stealthgti
Equipment featured in this video:
Scorpion SA-680 HF Mobile Antenna - www.scorpionantennas.com/
Yakima 3.5 Nm Torque Driver - bit.ly/2NJ4Kt7
ProClipUSA Mounts for MK7 Golf/GTI - bit.ly/37EGMaP
Icom ID-5100A Digital Transceiver - amzn.to/3aUjwHK
Yaesu FT-857D HF/VHF/UHF All-Mode Transceiver - amzn.to/2TOJ16P
Icom MBA2 Display Mounting Plate - amzn.to/2JkFsza
Mods to the car and links to blog write-ups (all links go to my blog, most are shortened):
APR Programming with Downpipe and Intercooler - wp.me/P7YnQB-dP
RSR Clutch w/DMF by HS Tuning - wp.me/p7YnQB-su
Steel Oil Pan - wp.me/p7YnQB-wv
Lots of Electronics - stealthgti.com/electronics/
EcoHitch by TorkLift - wp.me/P7YnQB-hW
Group 48 AGM Battery - wp.me/p7YnQB-1ev
Gun Metal Gray Nogaro Wheels - wp.me/p7YnQB-Dg
Various Accessories - stealthgti.com/accessories/
My Camera Setup:
Samsung Galaxy S9+ for Close-Quarters
Canon 80D Video Creator Kit - amzn.to/36EJDiG
Rode VideoMic - amzn.to/2RyOYnk
Lapel Microphone for Smartphone - amzn.to/3aU5Dt5
ZOMEi 75'' Tripod - amzn.to/3aRYBFl
Neewer Camera LED Video Light - amzn.to/36Dbznc
Studio Lighting - amzn.to/36uEycM
Visit me at StealthGTI.com.
Visit my Facebook page at / stealthgti
Visit my Instagram page at / stealth_gti
DISCLAIMER: StealthGTI is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Affiliate, I may receive a small commission from Amazon if you purchase a product or service with a link that I provide. There is no additional charge to you!
#ke4wmf #stealthgti #scorpionantennas

[@reallybadaim118]

I'm only at the 22 second mark and I laughed at the shirt. That is absolutely fantastic.

[@StealthGTI]

HAHA! Yeah, that's why I bought it. I thought it was good.

[@anderskristian6220]

i know I'm kinda randomly asking but do anyone know of a good website to stream new tv shows online?

[@cannongavin5194]

@Anders Kristian i watch on FlixZone. You can find it on google :)

[@billprice6248]

nice install

[@StealthGTI]

Thanks! Oddly enough, I may eventually move to something smaller, mostly so that I can leave it mounted full-time. Thanks for visiting!

[@joekrepps]

Grateful for the comparisons with the ATAS. I’ve got an ATAS, have not bonded anything yet but it’s mag mounted on the roof of my Subaru wagon. Not super impressed with it but I have worked some DX on 17m & 14m. Just always had the feeling I was missing out on more despite the features of my FT-891. Been thinking about a better screwdriver so this video was great. I, too, tried to call in to a local 10m net but I think most of them were 20-30 miles away-no luck. (One station heard me. He asked Net Control if he heard me…and let it drop rather than be a relay!) 73’s WB3CFN

[@StealthGTI]

I had good luck with my ATAS-120A back in 2007-2008. I suspect that was a high in the sunspot cycle. Proper bonding really helps with that antenna, but it's still no Scorpion or Tarheel! Still, even my Scorpion doesn't get out as far as a good home station. It all depends on band conditions. My next video will be an update about my Scorpion antenna. I'm running a larger caphat now and have a few things to share. Thanks for visiting!

[@yutub561]

That thing is enormous haha. I always wondered what those were for when I saw them around on the road, now I know

[@StealthGTI]

HAHA! Thanks for visiting.

[@countryhams7051]

Always loved my scorpion antenna. Most hams never guessed I was a mobile-in-motion station until I told them...and then the pile up would start (radio, not road 🤣)....I just recently took my mo ole station out of the truck mostly as I may have to purchase a new truck and dont want to have to remove radio equipment when it's time. That being said, the antenna lasted 10 years on the road with no issues.

[@StealthGTI]

Very cool! Do you operate on just 100W? Or are you using an amp, too? So far, I haven't managed to reach anyone beyond a few hundred miles with the exception of one station about 1000 miles away. I haven't worked Europe yet. But I did with my old ATAS-120A. Thoughts?

[@Rich-ni2ol]

@@StealthGTI I have worked Japan a few times while mobile. First time with an Icom 7100 and a Tarheel 400a 100w and the rest with my current setup, Yaesu 891 and Atas 120 at 100w. 73 de KN6HTH

[@StealthGTI]

@@Rich-ni2ol - Thanks for sharing that. I'm considering an FT-891. I'd like to pair my 5100 with a 7100, but I'm not fond of the 7100's desktop layout for my mobile environment. I think the 891 will match well; plus, it would work with my existing ATAS-120A when I don't feel like mounting the Scorpion.

[@alvarogaitan2529]

Great video thanks 73 fantastic job from kb2uew

[@StealthGTI]

Glad you enjoyed it! Be sure to watch my updated Scorpion video at kzbin.info/www/bejne/rqjVd4Kir8udapY. It has a link to another video about a larger capacitance hat and I'll share my new automatic motorized antenna controller next Thursday. 73, de KE4WMF.

[@brentjohnson6654]

New sub here. Also newish HAM. Tested for Tech & General in January 2020. I have a daily carry HT that is DMR. I have a HF radio (Kenwood TS-590SG) but haven’t strung a HF antenna at the QTH yet. So you didn’t bore me. Haha. Those Scorpion screwdriver antennas aren’t cheap. Haha. Thanks for the vidoe

[@StealthGTI]

Thanks for the sub!

[@daveherron]

lol @ the shirt (and antenna) - years ago power steering went out in my Dodge Ram. This was my 2nd Ram I bought new - power steering failed in both, as did the rear end and paint but Ill digress. Dodge garage told me they were voiding my warranty because I put on an aftermarket Air Intake. I asked him to put that in writing. I got a nasty look, never got it in writing. They fixed the power steering and I kept my warranty. Also - I imagine that antenna added about 5HP on the butt dyno and probably can pop wheelies :) Im looking for the other vid now after noticing the Rockford Fosgate and Audio Control components. Years ago I was hard core into car audio and clean installs. My favorite was Alpine CDA-7949, Tri-Amp'd 3-way DynAudios w/upgraded tweeter and Phoenix Gold Titanium amps, EQ and 15 farad cap in a Mustang GT. Swear if I could have all the money back I spent on car audio hehe... 73

[@StealthGTI]

HAHA! Agreed about the money spent. Thankfully, my practice is to have just one station at a time. So, most of this equipment migrates from one car the next. My HF radio is 15 years old and is in its third car. Now that I have this ironed-out pretty well, it'll all migrate to whatever comes next. Thanks for visiting!

[@W-733_KWX]

ATAS is just a toy compared to that beast. Sure I'll purchase a Scorpion, i'd even use one from home. It looks weird on such a small car I have to admit, even if I find that increadibly beautiful. I'd rather see one on a pick-up truck. Thanks for sharing, it's so nice to see these antennas installed, and not only installed, but properly installed. 73, de ha7wx chris

[@StealthGTI]

Thanks for the comments and your visit. Take Care!

[@kevinz763]

Hello great video have you tried this on 11meter band if so how's this antenna work? Thanks

[@StealthGTI]

I've monitored 11m, but no transmit. I don't have a CB transceiver. This antenna would be quite wasted on 11m unless the goal is to have a CB on an antenna switch for occasional use with a full HF rig. Thanks for visiting!

[@vanderlei.santos]

Very good my friend. 73 PT2RF from Brazil

[@StealthGTI]

Thank you very much!

[@karenbryden3788]

Thinking if buying a Scorpion antenna and trying to figure out how to mount it. The antenna comes from the factory with a 3/4 inch stud and nut for mounting. You have a smooth cylinder on the bottom of your antenna which goes snugly into a hole in a larger cylinder (which is attached to your shank). I would be most grateful if you would explain what these parts are and how to obtain them. Thanks!

[@StealthGTI]

Thanks for writing, Karen! The smooth cylinder is a quick-release mount by Breedlove Mounts (breedlovemounts.com/). Unfortunately, the current owner appears to have removed the vast majority of Scorpion-related mounts from his inventory. If your goal is to mount in a hitch mount, I think it can be done without the quick-release mount. Since making this video, I've adopted the practice of simply removing the hitch pin (bolt, in my case) and pulling the entire assembly out at once. It's plenty fast enough and still sturdy, I think. 73!

[@JustLearning]

Thanks for the video. Looks like you cannot open the trunk much when the antennas are mounted.

[@StealthGTI]

You are correct! Using this antenna requires good planning. Thankfully, reaching into the trunk by way of the rear seat back is very easy. Thanks for visiting.

[@cosimonisi5016]

hello congratulations for the beast.mi could say what diameter has the tube in millimeters ? many thanks dl3mim

[@StealthGTI]

Thanks for writing. The coil is 76mm. I think the coil cover is 90-100mm. Thanks for visiting.

[@cosimonisi5016]

@@StealthGTI tanks

[@daveycrockett9447]

Must be nice to have $1045 to spend on an antenna. My wife would kill me if I bought that- as much as I would like to have one. Thanks for sharing. Dont know if it is just me- but these manuafacturers are price gouging their customers on these crazy crazy profit margins.

[@StealthGTI]

I'm sure there are things at your place that "must be nice" to have that are not in my home. It's all about drawing lines and shifting priorities, which was much easier when we became empty-nesters. My wife saw the benefits of a mobile build when I said, "Just think about how cool it would be to have all of these radios (noise) in the house and big antennas in the trees!" Compromise made. :-) Regarding the "price gouging," if no buyers pay the price, then the price will go down or businesses that can't make a living will shutter. That seems like a simple matter of supply vs. demand. I cannot build a large, 1500W-capable screwdriver antenna myself; so, I pay the premium to buy someone else's design, research, material acquisition, testing, and labor. Scorpion is a one-man show. How much should he charge to live and feed his family? A business man I know said that it's customary to charge 10 times the cost of parts for the final product. I don't think that's happening with Scorpion or Tarheel antennas; there's no way they're building these antennas with $104 in parts! Also, material costs have gone up substantially over the past two years. Consumers will either carry that burden or not make the purchase. Looking at the crazy escalation of car prices, I won't be buying ANYTHING for a while. The market will shift once enough of us have said, "No Thanks!" Thanks for visiting!

[@DJBlackhawk]

Not so stealth anymore... lol Did you have the entire car grounded when you had ATAS installed or did you do that for scorpion install? If the later, can you try ATAS again to see how much the noise has dropped and compare transmission? Also why not go with the Tarheel or Little Tarheel? 90% of new hams I say go with ATAS but if money and huge install is no option go your route.. ; ) 73 DE KK4MND

[@StealthGTI]

HAHA! I'm still "stealth" 99% of the time since this antenna is usually in my shed. I did do more bonding after the Scorpion install. So, to be fair, I should do some side-by-sides on the noise floor between the Scorpion and the ATAS. I chose the Scorpion over Tarheel because of reputation. Even N0BG, an HF mobile expert, seems to swear by Scorpion. So, if I want to buy just once, I figured I'd go for one of the best available. :-)

[@luke8210]

I know I'm late to this video....but damn. I dont know if that antenna on the rack mount would have made it long.... Hitch mount will definitely hold up better.

[@StealthGTI]

No telling! I did put a tiny bend on the top bolt from striking a tree branch before moving it to the hitch. The hitch *may* not be as efficient of a location, but it sure is convenient! Thanks for visiting.

[@NoZenith]

This is pretty amazing :-) I don't know if you recall me but I said before I'm not really a ham man and this is a bit beyond my Ken but I am absorbing a little bit of it and I appreciate your experienced insight. From what you told me to look into before and this additional kind of information about the versatility I'm definitely going to skip investing in a CB and go ham if I get the freedom to travel a bit like I'm hoping in a couple years

[@StealthGTI]

I do remember you. How is your mom? Did she try Optavia? If you didn't recommend it to her, then I'm remembering the wrong visitor. HAHA! Sorry! A ham license will give you far more versatility than CB. A CB is "just a CB." Ham radios come in many types and operate on a variety of bands. Look in to a GMRS license, too. They operate on FRS frequencies, but allow more power and external antennas for better range.

[@NoZenith]

@@StealthGTI that was me and we haven't really had a chance to sit down and watch your video and talk about it but I have mentioned it to her. I'm actually at home from work right now and she was supposed to be here last night before I went to work (3rd shift). I live near her physical therapy and I try to keep myself pretty isolated other than going to work. I went to the vets with a dog that I'm watching for a friend and it turns out I was exposed for hours while waiting for the dog to get checked out. It's actually been only the second public exposure site stressed by our County so I called into work and figured out the procedure to go get tested but I have to isolate myself and wait a day to get the results and see if I'm asymptomatic so I don't want my mom around. I'm the guy not having fun and staying at home. I took a friend's dog to the vet and I get my exposure (guaranteed exposure not just the daily going to the grocery store possibility of it) 🙃 😂😷 glad I was wearing mask but a lot of people weren't and they haven't released who all was infected that was there but they have several confirmed cases related to it.

[@eddiejames6589]

Where did you get the mount with plate that you slid into the receiver?

[@StealthGTI]

I'm confused with your question about the "plate." Are you referring to the mount with a ball attached, which has a bumper guard on it? If that's what you mean, the product is by Tow Ready, P/N 80400, which appears to have been discontinued. If I have misunderstood your question, please provide a timestamp and clarify. Thanks for visiting!

[@eddiejames6589]

@@StealthGTI Thank you for clarifying. Plate was a bad term. It is shown at 3:16 and is the stainless "mount" for the Scorpion with the bolt below. Did that stainless piece come with the scorpion? Also, while you mention it, is the black portion that goes into the 2x2 receiver still available for purchase. Thank you for your help. 73, WD3D

[@StealthGTI]

@@eddiejames6589 - Got it. I was wondering if that was what you really wanted to know. That part did NOT come with the Scorpion. It's a discontinued mount from Breedlove Mounts. I bought it to serve as a quick-release when I had the antenna mounted to a cargo rack. If I was doing it again, I'd buy this weld-on mount from Scorpion: www.scorpionantennas.com/product/antenna-weld-on-mount/. Then I'd have it welded to the black part in your next question. The black piece is a commonly-available ball mount, but without a hitch ball. You mentioned the 2-inch receiver, but mine is actually a 1.25-inch receiver. It would be very easy for a welder to scrape away some of the finish on the ball mount, weld Scorpion's mount to it, and then I would have the combination powder coated back to gloss black as a single piece. Does that answer your questions? 73!

[@eddiejames6589]

@@StealthGTI Yes, got it. Thank you for that. I am starting to see it working in my mind's eye. Great job on this!

[@elkbow]

I created a Scorpion antenna Facebook page because there wasn't one. Be nice to have you join and post your experience and videos. Thanks.

[@StealthGTI]

I don't think Ron has any social media. I probably would join your Scorpion FB page if I hadn't recently left the platform. There are things there that I will miss, namely the VW, Subaru, RV, and ham groups that I watched. Unfortunately, too many other elements of FB have convinced me that life is better without them. My account will be permanently deleted, the point of no return, on March 4th. At this point, I'm on KZbin, Instagram, and WordPress only. Thanks for visiting.

[@elkbow]

@@StealthGTI ah, yup, can't blame you there. I rarely go on Facebook other for for stuff like antennas, etc. KZbin is just as bad as Facebook on deleting content.

[@mariajanedoehn9295]

Is there a way someone can track or monitor you thru radio waves,?

[@StealthGTI]

There's always a way. It's possible to use direction-finding antennas to get a cross-fix on someone's general position. It requires monitoring from at least two different locations and it can get only so close to a "target's" position. If the "target" is moving, then it may be impossible unless their antenna is as obnoxious as this one, which would be a visual tip-off that the "target" is found. This antenna is a part-time antenna; so, my car usually looks quite ordinary with my smaller dual-band antenna on the roof. If I'm trying to be stealthy, I can mount my smaller antenna, work with a digital signal (which limits the number of people who can decode the signal), work with low power (limits my detection range), and use a technique known as "working split," where I transmit on Frequency X and listen on Frequency Y while my partner transmits on Frequency Y and listens on Frequency X. And moving around makes pinpointing a location more difficult. The short answer, however, is that I've never needed to be so sneaky. The ham bands are not intended for covert use; no one expects privacy there. But it can be done, albeit never with complete obscurity while operating legally. Now working the solution the other way around can be very difficult. Let's say you see me first and then want to find my frequency. First, I have to be talking. Then you'd have to scan all known bands for activity and try to match it to me. It's not impossible, but usually not worth the time. Thanks for visiting.

[@mariajanedoehn9295]

@@StealthGTI Wow thanks for replying exhaustively! And so I guess you couldn't then be monitored with the usual normal am FM radio on a Sedan ?

[@StealthGTI]

@@mariajanedoehn9295 - Oh no! Not at all. The vast majority of ham radio licensees operate only in the spectrums in which we are authorized. If we stay where we belong, there's no way for anyone to accidentally monitor our communications. It would have to be very intentional.

[@mariajanedoehn9295]

Scared you away?

[@W-733_KWX]

@@mariajanedoehn9295 nothing to be scared of when we have a HAM licence and using properly our equipment as per the regulations and rules and the frequencies we are allowed to use. This is as simple and fun by the way. Also fun, because we are not only wireless but independent from any service (cell towers etc).

[@beekeeper8474]

Tarheel is smaller and i have no complaints

[@StealthGTI]

Excellent! I might have considered a Lil Tarheel II if I had a sedan or perhaps a second hole punched in my roof. I prefer clean wire routing, which was a great selling point for when I used the ATAS-120A. I could probably concoct a clean way to route the control cables if I was to use a 3/8-mounted Tarheel, but routing cables under the car from the hitch proved very easy and clean. It's biggest drawback is that the hatchback is not accessible when the antenna is mounted. A smaller Tarheel would mount higher and make my car more useable. It's a balance, I guess. See my "KE4WMF" playlist for an updated Scorpion video, as well as a walk-thru of the full station. Thanks for visiting!

[@pinesparrow]

You can put a canoe on top of your car. The Canoe would be the antenna 😂

[@StealthGTI]

I'm sure one would resonate SOMEWHERE. ;-) Thanks for visiting!

[@45auto]

I can barely afford a Wolf River Coil. Why am I looking at a Scorpion antenna? Too big to look away, I guess. 😀

[@StealthGTI]

HAHA! Thanks for visiting!

[@colinsphoneemail]

that's not exactly stealth... but looks cool

[@StealthGTI]

No, not stealth at all. BUT, the car is back to its stealthy self within five minutes of parking overnight. Thanks for visiting!

[@anthonyrosa5006]

VW. Guess you like expensive frequent repairs. Somebody's got to buy them and keep those VW techs busy. I have not heard a single positive thing about VW from my mechanic friends but maybe they are all wrong. Nice antenna though.

[@StealthGTI]

"Expensive" is subjective. "Frequent" has not been an issue for me. My GTI has 140,000+ miles. Sure, it's needed a few repairs, but the car has never left me stranded. I will take it across the country for a third time without even blinking an eye. My 350+ whp GTI has been a great blend between fun and utility. My previous car was a 1998 Jetta TDI that went 445,000 miles without even opening the engine. All repairs were normal wear and tear. German cars can be fabulous, but will certainly punish a neglectful owner. Thanks for visiting!