The Double Bazooka Antenna - A Review

Here is a review of the 40 and 80 meter band Double Bazooka antennas as used on the HF shortwave bands. This will be of interest to amateur (ham) radio operators and shortwave listeners. This particular antenna comes from IAC antennas (www.iacantennas.com) where more information can be obtained.
You can contact the presenter of this video at the Mount Evelyn DX Report:
www.medxr.blogs...

[@fernandoscrenci4874]

What a blessing, it is to have a dipole antenna, it works in so many ways indoors and outdoors and so many different locations with little power ,, it makes radio more fun and enjoyable!!

[@000FireAimReady000]

Fascinating demonstration of the effectiveness of the double bazooka. As we leave our current Cycle 24 solar max and the lower bands become more important, 40 and 80 meter double bazookas are likely to join my antenna farm. Thanks, very much for the excellent video.

[@mibi1946]

As a SWL I always enjoy your channel. This Double Bazooka has me thinking as they make a listeners model. Thanks, Mike from Beaumaris

[@RobVK3BVW]

Thanks Michael. Good luck with it. 73, Rob VK3BVW

[@Thelesphore]

Terrific video -- thanks Rob! Bob - W2TAC

[@MickLBrad]

I built my first 40 meter bazooka antenna in the early 70s and it worked out so well I built one for 80 m and one 20 m. No matter where we have moved through the years I always put up double bazooka antennas. There is nothing out there to beat them! 73 -- de Mick, WB4LSS

[@RobVK3BVW]

+Mick Bradford I agree, Mick. They really are a fabulous antenna. I've got one ready for 20m now, which I'm hoping to swing into the air in the next week or so. 73 de Rob VK3BVW

[@MickLBrad]

Rob Wagner, you will really enjoy it !! Most of my friends back then were so impressed with mine they built them for themselves. It's a truly remarkable antenna!!

[@tonyridlen]

Excellent video concerning the double bazooka antenna with 80 and 40 Meters. Good work producing the video!!!!

[@RobVK3BVW]

+Tony Ridlen Thanks Tony. Glad you enjoyed it. I don't make too many videos because they usually take me a long time to get together. Cheers, Rob

[@Sparkyzilla85]

Great review video. When I move to my new QTH later this year I may consider buying a Double Bazooka. It definitely looks like a nice antenna.

[@RobVK3BVW]

***** Thanks Dennis. Good luck!

[@crobulari2328]

Just made one for 40M. Erecting in a few days and will report. Used IP58 plastic box for centre connection with PG11 glands for cable outlets. Internally glued heatshrink for end connections. Not neccessary to use twin line for ends. Single cable is OK. Leave end conductors about 18" longer to set the SWR. Get antenna perfectly resonant. Good luck and 73 M0MPT.

[@RobVK3BVW]

+Crobular I Thanks for the info, M0MPT! Cheers, Rob VK3BVW

[@RobVK3BVW]

Good luck with it, Chris. If you do get a DB, let me know how it goes!

[@korky5214]

Excellent Rob many thanks

[@RobVK3BVW]

You're welcome, Michael. Glad you liked it. Thanks for watching.

[@G7VFY]

What would you say the benefits of the double bazooka over a similar sized dipole or efhw. Are they really mono monoband. Can the 80m be tuned up on 40 or 20m? Using a tuner.

[@stankatz01]

Nice video, does the interaction with your mast have an issue with the antenna?

[@Dreamantennadesigns]

I enjoy making these. 73 m8 nice video.

[@RobVK3BVW]

Dream Antenna Designs Thanks!

[@vk3hgx]

Hi Rob (Great review ) I'm looking at one for here in Richmond.The short 40m bazooka noise is my big problem here Rob !!!!!!! all the best from Chris VK3HGX

[@leofortierjr7777]

Just had some "down time" Great video.. 73 Leo

[@ProfessorVector]

Great work Rob, very well done and informative, thank you. I have a RadioWavz G5RV and almost bought a Double Bazooka for 80 or 40. Maybe next hamlets I will. How high is the reference antenna. Ed, WB9RAA

[@RobVK3BVW]

+Ed Doodler Hi Ed. The ref antenna is about the same height as the bazooka. Glad you found the video informative. Best 73, Rob VK3BVW

[@rhwebb73]

Rob, Enjoyed your video. I've got a home brew 80 meter double bazooka. I've been thinking of getting the 160meter shorty version. Have you had any experience with them?

[@RobVK3BVW]

Hi Chris and thanks for the feedback. I don't operate on 160 so I've never had a need to build one of those. The IAC Shorty is advertised as 51mt long (168 ft), and the apex is recommended to be quite high. It would be a heavy antenna, so strong supporting structures would need to be considered. And an antenna of that length will probably have its legs looping down a fair bit (hence the need to get the middle of the antenna as high as possible). Good luck with it!! Best 73.

[@tommybewick]

Great review Rob, I am thinking of getting one and wondering if you still have it in the air October 2015 and if it is still preforming well? Finally, since then have you tried any other antennas and do you still recommend the double bazooka over others? 73, Tom

[@RobVK3BVW]

+Tom k2bew Hi Tom. The 80 and 40m bazookas are still very much in operation and standing up to the weather really well. I had cause to lower the 80m antenna a few months ago (actually it started lowering itself because the supports were wearing out!!), and the antenna showed virtually NO sign of wear. Indeed, I now have a 20m version to hoist into the air as soon as I can sort out where I'm going to hang the thing! As far as wire antennas go, the bazooka is as good as or better than any other antenna around. The 40m antenna works perfectly well on 15m, too. Thanks for your comments and good luck, Tom! Best 73 de Rob VK3BVW

[@tommybewick]

+Rob Wagner Thanks Rob, I am definitely going to pick up one for 40 meters and try it out, and maybe I will end up with a 20 and 80 versions too and replace my OCF Windom if I like them. I think you are always better off with resonant single band antennas anyway. 73, Tom

[@kentcyclist]

Is the 27mhz cb one any good?

[@ukguy7761]

Biggus Dickus: They're great for 27 Mhz......low noise and very wide banded so no problems with SWR (I've never had to alter mine) and no balun needed. I use one of these indoors because no external antennas are allowed where I live and even under these circumstances it works very well....my first contact with it was 800 miles from UK to Poland. www.wireantennas.co.uk/hf/11M/double-bazooka-antenna-27-Mhz-cb-dxer

[@medo123345]

Thanks for the video.how I can buy this antenna.

[@RobVK3BVW]

+Mohamed Hameedi Hi Mohamed, This antenna is available from www.iacantennas.com. Good luck with it. 73, Rob VK3BVW

[@k5azebud988]

What is the reference antenna?

[@RobVK3BVW]

Ummm.....I did this video a few years ago, so I'm not quite sure! But I think it was a Par SWL End Fed antenna with a 9:1 balun....I think! :-) I possibly mentioned what the ref ant was on the video.