Great video. Thanks for the review. Love the shirt! The Loop! I grew up in northern Minnesota an hour or so north of Duluth and we used to pick up WLS from Chicago back in the 70s.
Hey Walt! I have the Sigma, aluminum version of this and use it as a portable antenna for my motorhome. I utilize a couple of different mounting options - ground mounted on a bicycle repair stand that I have modified to bolt the bracket on and a flag pole mount on the rear of my coach that gets it about 14' up in the air at the base. I have had outstanding luck with it as I travel around the western US. I've worked all over North & South America, Asia, the South Pacific and even a couple of openings into Europe. I regularly check into an 75m net in the evenings as well. All of this barefoot on a IC-7300 or my old Yaesu FT-100 mobile, all band rig. While on the road in the coach, I don't have the luxury of a fixed antenna. This gives me the ability to get on the air, have some fun and provides a quick and easy way to deploy an antenna, even in a limited space like a campsite! (I also carry two 9:1, EFRW - 1 50' and 1 84' as well as a ZSKBKW dipole with a 40'' extendable fiberglass pole in the MH for those times when I have more room to play with) Keep up the good reviews! Always enjoy your content! Best 73, de KN6ER
I have had the aluminium version for 2 years and it's great. I am 118 metres above sea level and have had brilliant results. The only thing that I had to do was waterproof the joints and drill a couple of holes on the underside of the unun. Furthest contact so far from the UK is Uruguay, 6,735 miles! It's also pretty much maintainance free.
It's all relative I suppose. We are so lucky to live high up and on the coast so I suppose the salt water helps. My wife has been great about my hobby and the antennas on the house. I would love a Yagi on a rotator but at what point does it get beyond a hobby?
Thanks for an honest and fair review. I always wonder when people give glowing reviews of the "magic" compromise antenna. Well, most practical antennas are a compromise in some regard.
i BOUGHT A USED Antron 99 , solid performer on 10, 12, 15 & 17. Tuned for 10M. Fantastic results on all of these bands. I think these type of verticals or overlooked as they are affordable and always work.
Have used an Antron A99 for years mostly on 10 meters and 11 meter CB band but also have tuned it up on 12, 15 and 17. Longest contacts for me using that antenna and those bands was 10 meters to Australia and New Zealand countless times along with Johannesburg, South Africa on 17 meters during 2009 solar minimum along with South America, Russia, Europe, etc. It was best 65 dollars I spent at the time back in 1999 and its still up 24 years later and still works. I might even buy another one at some point to replace the current one.
I had the MFJ version of this antenna. It worked semi ok on 20 meters and above. I might have made a contact or two on 30 meters. It was basically useless on 40 and 80 meters. It was, however, not a bad antenna for shortwave listening. After about one year, the mount failed from metal fatigue and the whole thing came down in a windstorm. You can save yourself a pile of money and put up a simple random wire made out of speaker wire and get much better performance to boot.
@@1OFGODSOWN I use a DX Commander Classic telescoping pole with a 29 ft random wire, 9:1 unun and 1:1 unun as a choke. I don't have trees close to my home either. I got this idea from Walt on this CoastalWavesWires channel that we are on. Walt has many ideas on how to set up wire antennas on different DX Commander poles without using trees. He also uses Squid Poles to hang random wires, too. Check it out. I got my first DX contact from Texas on this setup. I live in north central Georgia. I hope this helps. 73s.
Thanks for the honest review. I've looked at this antenna numerous times and wasn't sure if it was worth it. For me? Just won't work for my situation. But again, very honest and detailed reveiw.
Nice shirt! I was the Chief Engineer at WLS and the company LMA’d the Loop for a few years. Sad that it’s gone now. I have just put up the aluminum version of that antenna with an auto-tuner at the base, and I have radials under it. No vertical will work well without radials. Anyone who believes that doesn’t understand the basics of antennas. Just because you have good SWR doesn’t mean it’s actually radiating a good signal. Even a dummy load radiates to some degree, but you won’t be working many people on it. I can’t speak for this add-on radials, but mine are buried in my yard.
I had this antenna in the Sigma x80 aluminum version, and I fully share your opinion, I think it's a decent antenna for those who have little space and work a lot in digital, I also tried adding resonant radials but the situation changed little.
I have this antenna I have it tuned for 12 meters. it works excellent on 12 and also on 10. with a tuner. I use it on 17 as well the swr is high but it still works. I removed the unun, from the bottom, took the connector off and and reinstalled it on the bottom of the antenna. there is a hole already drilled and the connector fits perfect. I also added 6 radials to this setup have it mounted on the roof sitting in a cement weighted patio umbrella stand. I have used it on 15 as well with good results but 10,12 and 17 it does the job well with my setup. Jeff va3xq
Most chain-link fences make exceptional radial systems for vertical antennas regardless of band. The longer the better, especially on the low bands. The older fences which have horizontal pipes on top work the best. Just make sure to bond the horizontal pipes to the posts in the ground with good quality braid. I have used mobile antennas, 6BTV's, Hy-Gain's, and others, including a home-made 75/40 meter vertical. With a little tuning, all worked fantastic!
I have mine about 3 inch from the ground and I've added 30 ground planes each 30 feet long. I get reasonable results on the 10 watts I'm permitted to use.
Hi Walt, it’s a good review. If you can live only with 20 meters, a delta loop antenna can also do wonders. It has low noise floor and its gain is better than a vertical, it’s not hard to build one with wire and a 4:1 unun.
@@COASTALWAVESWIRES on Poland you do! Or will the HOA karen summon behind you as soon as you touch an antenna? It’s possible, I suspect HOA was created by the devil itself haha kidding 73s
I read somewhere that one of the tricks is to make sure it is Not resonant on any band at all. Maybe bunkum, but i'll give it a try if i get my hands on one.
I purchase a self attenuating anten from MAPLIN years ago. Connected it to a ship to shore radio and easily contacted boats many miles away than my yacht antena would reach.
Walt, I Live 60 miles from the Pacific coast in Oregon State. I did not tune the antenna at all. I have the antenna mounted about 15 ft High above the eve of my house on a metal pole. I have a Sigma Eurocom HF-360 antenna. I check in to the 80 M and 40 m Regional Nets with great success. While it is not an excellent 80 M or 40 m antenna, I have found it works really well for regional check-ins on those bands. I check in to 80 M CW Nets on a routine basis and have an 80 m CW rag chew with a friend in Washington State multiple times every week.
Did you take the original balun out box on bottom antenna and build 9:1 in there or just added inline onto coax cause I would done that if it tuned better ? This thing has got to work good on 10 m SSB am & FM. For me plus 12 15 17 guess 20 don't care about 40 thats for a wire . And do you think keep in in grass with wire radials on it or nknd? Thank you
I have one, it's great. My old one broke in high winds. But the top section plus the whip tunes to 10m. I also the top with a Slidewinder coil for portable work, can't fault it.
I did not tune my Sigma Version, purchased about 5 years ago. I did make a contact with Australia and Italy from San Diego. Mounted on a vent drain pipe on my deck about 20 feet into the air. I did not "tune" it and to see it costing a couple hundred dollars less than what I paid, it's worth the money now. I think I paid $400 for the Sigma. I just erected a GAPFILLER DX 31ft vertical and the Sigma has taken a back seat.
I have a similar antenna, fault #1 - there's no drain hole on the balun so it got waterlogged quickly. And it's more a single band antenna not a multi band. I got my aluminum one tuned for the 15 meter band now and it's doing decent there.
I just don't see it as a bargain or great antenna. Granted it's a simple install and does not take a lot of space: However, if I am going to need a tuner and another easy to install antenna I have great success using a 9:1 unun with a 41' radiator wire and 25' counterpoise. The end of the radiator wire can be hoisted over a branch or tethered to a lightweight fiberglass mast with total cost under $100. You do give a good review of the good and not so good so WELL DONE on your part, just not my cup of tea.
Ironically most guys miss that an aluminum mast itself can be used as an antenna provided you use the correct length for the frequencies. Its even broader on band because b of its size of 1.5 to 2.5 inches. Radials in still required
Hi Walt. I enjoy your videos. I was thinking of getting a Xiegu G90 and your video on the G90 tipped it in -LOL. I’m leaving a comment because typically only a person who grew up in the Chicago area in the 80’s would even know what a WLUP shirt was-let alone where one (btw-awesome). Did you live in the Chicago area?
I have the aluminium version there's more scope for tuning between lengths i also have the add on kit for 80m and 40m i use 2 earth rods either side of it and it is mounted on a steel pole driven 4 feet into the ground and mounted 2 feet of the ground works great with my g90 on 10w. Keep up the good work 73s M7CLI.
I've been checking out your videos for a while, and enjoying them all. Between THIS Antenna and your Homebrewed Coastal 20, how do they compare just on the bands they both cover?
They are hard to compare because I use the Coastal 20 in a perfect setup next to saltwater and this one is up on my roof. My guess is that this one would perform as good if not better than the wire if it was next to saltwater. 73, Walt
I have the Comet CHA250B, haven't installed it but hope to this spring. I was told it works best at 50ft and over, I have a 50ft free-standing tower so we will see.
Did you get round to installing it? How's it performing? Thinking and looking at various ones at the moment, BB7V seems to fit my needs more being kind of vehicle portable for using on holiday / motorhome, plus it states being mounted low can help... Just so sceptical of these type of antennas... we can all match a wet noodle but it's how they performs is the key. Thanks 73.
When people take advertising, nearly *any* advertising as being 100% truthful, I think they're usually going to be sorely disappointed. I first learned that lesson when I bought some "Sea Monkeys" from an advertisement in some magazine when I was a kid. I didn't get any "monkeys" at all, "sea" or land-based. The only thing I got were some tiny, almost microscopic brine shrimp! *LOL* I also learned my lesson in 1989 when I had first gotten my Novice Amateur License. I bought one of the _magical verticals_ that (supposedly) covered 80 - 10 meters with "no tuning." All I got were more "Sea Monkeys," just in a vertical configuration. 😆 Actually, that antenna did have radials included, and probably worked better that many of the other multi-band verticals that were/are sold.
Walt I love your videos but I love your T-shirt even more! The Loop! Chicago AM1000 in the 90's! Kevin Mathews and Jim Shorts, Jonathan Brandmeier and Buzz the Blues Man Kilman, Steve Dahl and Garry Meyer. 8 hours a day of the best comedy radio ever! Really enjoy your videos on antennas and the Xiegu G90! Stay safe in Poland (certainly safer than Chitown.)
Never buy the x80 aluminum version unless you pot the un-un or better still move it from underneath and seal it in a box (I use a sandwich box). The fibreglass version is not a problem. The extra radials plus pack really does open up 40 and 80 once you have tuned them (the whips can also be used portable like a hamstick) although they are best described as fair not good. I lasted six months with one of these before setting up a long wire as well but still use the x80 which together with a mag loop and the long wire gives me all the QRP performance I need in my small shack . If you are just starting up or even a CB'er then give it a go - it really works. 73 . M7BLC
Excellent review, I think you were pretty objective and not overly harsh. I really appreciate how you qualified you findings, thoughts and opinions. Well done
I wish I had seen this video before I bought the Sigma Eurocomm version with the 40/80 radial kit. In practice this antenna is a complete waste of space, time and money. It halves my signal and introduces noise where noise on my end fed wire has none. I have the fibreglass version and have tried it on a metal roof, at ground level and on a 7 meter pole. Nothing, nada. It’s not really that good on 20m in any case but on other bands it’s useless. The sick thing is the “branded” version sells for something like US$500 here, I got mine from the UK and it was still not cheap. And it started to rust within days of installation even though I’m a good distance from the sea. Save your money, it’s junk. Great review.
The A-zon reviews are mixed somd people got good results. I'm a fan of 10 & 17 Do you think that the top whip has to be longer to resonate better I bet on a fense or wires on ground would make it work better especially when ground is wet for 40 . Ok thanks for your input on this antenna 73z
I was using my aluminum version at 50 watts and the unun melted through the plastic box. That seems to be the weak link for these antennas. Replaced the unun with one from MyAntennas and it worked decent on 20M u til I replaced it with a fan dipole. I now use the old antenna as a portable antenna for POTA.
I always get a kick out of some of the comments on Amazon and other places from "experts" who don't understand how antennas work. For coax to work as a counterpoise you have to may have to have a long run dropping straight down from the connection (think vertical dipole).
I bought one and have mounted it on a 10' pole. At this height off the ground the best SWR I can get is 4:1. I'll have to lower it get the SWR right. But worse, it doesn't hear very well. Even if I get the SWR right I will go back to my MFJ-2220 because of the reception. I'll play with it for a While.
I spent 40 winters in Chicago. Loved the Loop, back in the day when Jonathan Brandmeier, Kevin Matthews and Steve Dahl were the popular disc-jockeys. I live in a high-rise and I'm looking for an antenna that can mount to the balcony railing. Not sure sure this would work for me, I'd have to experiment. Appreciate the review though!! Cheers and 73! Lambert, W3LAM
Thanks for watching! Consider a coil like the Slidewinder DX or Wolf River Coil on a mirror mount with a small telescopic whip. I think that would be a great little balcony antenna. If you check out any of my videos on the Slidewinder DX you’ll see the mount I’m talking about. I use it on a copper ground rod portable. 73!
I have a lot of antennas laying around. a hustle , a twenty meter in the garage an army stick for ten. at the moment i have the big gap a g 5 rv which need to be tied beck up. it came down in the wind. it is copy of a g5rv that i had i have and one more antenna that is a no tune, but it can't take over two hundred watts.
I think marketing knew what they were doing, when advertising this as a Multi Band antenna ! As at first glance I was thinking you simply use a tuner, and you're off to the races ! But instead, I wonder if the Idea was to adjust the top of the antenna, in hopes of bringing it near resonance of a given Ham Band ? Seems you've found the sweet spot for it on 20 ! I purchased the Aluminum version, but have yet to install it, but you've likely saved me and other's the frustration and time, fighting this thing ! You didn't mention it, but I wonder if attaching additional wire to the top of the antenna, might make it a little more frequency agile ? Just a thought ? Hopefully as the weather moves towards Spring, I'll get some experimenting done ? BTW...., do you know the power handling stats on this antenna ? Wondering if the Aluminum version may handle more ? And if it's not too late, I believe spraying the antenna with a UV protective sealant would add to it's life, as the fiberglass will begin to break down and splinter, after being in the sun ! And trust me, you will want to wear gloves, glasses, and long sleeves, when messing with one thats been in the Sun for awhile ! Don't ask how I know ! Lol ! Thanks again for posting ! '73
Great review as always Walt! Regarding 10m performance not sure why you experienced poor results….as a half wave end fed vertical it should perform even better than on 20m as a mere 1/4 wave.?…maybe it needs a different ratio un-un…should not need any ATU with the correct ratio. Thoughts?
Great video , I guess it’s working great as a quarter wave on 20m I wonder if you could bypass the unun and use a 49 to 1 transformer for 10 m this may help making it a half wave, thanks
I enjoyed this video and another where you built a 20m vertical with speaker wire. I’m curious if you believe this antenna works better on 20 than the home brew speaker wire antenna? I’m thinking this antenna looks easier to setup but I’d rather use whichever option provides the best performance. Thanks!
Thanks, honestly if you are just looking to work an individual band like 20 meters the home brew antenna for that band will work much better. If you're looking for a multiband antenna and have limited space and options this is a good choice as long as you have a way to tune it with either a built in Automatic Antenna Tuner in your radio or an external one. Hope that answers your question and helps. All the best and 73, Walt
Hi Walt - Based on your initial review, I purchased a HF 360 from Sigma. The tip of the whip is at 24'. I do not have any radials and it works okay. FT8 contact in Mexico was about as far as I've gotten. SSB as far as California, but mostly closer to QTH. On average I see that 1000 - 1500 miles. I am assuming the metal roof/flashing whatever it at your home/condo was acting as a ground plane in your first video. Unfortunately I have no way to run radials; perhaps I could add some rigid radials, but I would need to figure out if that would be helpful and if so, what length and how many. Your audio was not the best ever... I will have to watch again with headphones on. Thanks for the info. Hope the trip goes well.
Your radials should be 1\4 wave to desired frequency of the antenna. 3 or 4 it's great. If you want it to be more directional have them form a V open to the long path for DX. 4' above ground is good but a full wave or half wave is perfect.
Good morning, and thanks for your video. In another video, you say that vertical antenna is fine for portable. Is this antenne performe less than the other you show in your video 10 best antenna for portable?
From what I’ve learned the coil antenna when tuned properly is a resonant antenna and will have less loss than an antenna with a transformer. For the small shorter size it’s a great antenna but probably doesn’t perform as good as the long vertical half wave antenna.
@@COASTALWAVESWIRES Thanks for your answer. I thought the loading coil was only there to adjust the impedance and therefore did not do more than just a transformer.
I got one ... a HF 360 from Sigma. I live in belgium europe and due to the low radiation angle ... in a circle of 500km ... nogo but every station above 500km away ... 9+ easy. I average make +1000km contacts .... 3000km easly and I had a contact with Brasil too ... about 8000km away. I heard Falkland islands and japan too with this thing and I'm in a enclosed by builings situation over here with the antenna just sticking out above my roof. It's defenetly not a perfect antenna but it's certainly not a dummy load. It works .... and if you are in a compromised situation ... well .... give it a try ;)
It seems the current version on AMZ is about $229 if you can find one in stock. For POTA I can make a pile of speaker wire antennas for each band including adapting it to my 7.2M carbon fiber fishing pile. Thanks for sharing and giving me some ideas. Cheers, Davey - KU9L
I have the aluminum version ground mounted at 10" with 62 radials in various lengths and make contacts all around the world and my ic7300 tunes every band but 80m Well worth the $109
Great review. I just bought the Sigma HF 360 1kW version with the Plus Kit. (it's not up yet) My hope is the Plus Kit will help on the 40/80 meter bands. It's a pretty cheap add on, so any chance you'd add one to your antenna and do a review?
@@COASTALWAVESWIRES yeah thanks, if I can get the results you got, I'd be pretty happy. If 10 meters doesn't work out, I might try some home made radials. I forgot you were HOA, but looking at the Plus Kit, it doesn't add much footprint, especially if you are able to face the radials down. Love your vids!
I was told by Sir Paul at Sigma Com the plus-kit will not take more than 100 watts! I have th big unun on mine and will hit it with 500 from my 811 amp that’s all JohnBoyUtah KJ7TBR🇺🇸😎📡🎙
I have the XE-80. I have it mounted on a brick wall with 100' coax no radials. 6m-20m tunes and works well. Lets give it a 7 out of 10. On 20m from California. I have worked most of N America with some DX. Would I buy one again, Yes. Easy to install and get working. But it still a sub $150 antenna.
Harvest, Grabil are pretty much the same Taiwan company that makes really good gear for fair prices. Better than MFJ in the final accounting. Imo You and both know living on Saltwater makes the Vertical shine without ground plain on the conventional sense. You have a perfect conducting groundwave.
Janet also has one I hear!🤣 I think they are make by the same company in UK that makes the CB antennas, silver rod and thunderpole 5. Seems a neat idea, but like you say you probably need something to push against. 6:1 should help minimise coax loss. 73 Steve MW0SAW
Might be ok for 11m band for CB. My own antenna is a big 43' Hy-Gain VA6160. Since I put this antenna up, conditions haven't been that great to test it properly. I might increase the height of my antenna too.
I have one for about 10 years it's ok. But after it is up for about a year or more you will need gloves if you do anything with it. If not, you will get fiberglass splinters all over your hand.
Hi, hope your well my friend. That ant looks very simple to use and effective on the higher bands, unfortunately, with my poor ears and the high echo in your room, I couldn't really understand much of what you saying sorry about Walt. Look forward to the next one. Take care and have a nice weekend. 73 brian zl3xdj.
No vertical radiates on all bands equally well. Only 160,80,40,20,10 are harmonics, the other bands must be matched. Chickenladder dipole is best, but needs switchable matchbox, swr-meter and balun
@@COASTALWAVESWIRES I have been a ham since I was 1976 when I was 13. I have been in and out of ham radio but never let my license expire. Started off KA0FEV now AL7NS from when I was stationed in AK I am just getting back into ham radio and I know I am making this harder than it should be.
Hi Walt.. yet again, another great informative video with "real experience" observations.. Thanks for sharing your experience with all the products you use.. very useful content for everyone.. Keep up the great video productions.. 73 k0klb
Excellent and thorough review Walt! Makes me want to try putting mine up again.
Thanks my friend, it’s worth experimenting with!
One of the most honest comments I ever heard thanks.
Thanks for watching!
Love the shirt! I listened to the loop a lot
Absolute legend! Great video! Thanks for your honest and valuable opinion there.
Thank you!
Great video. Thanks for the review. Love the shirt! The Loop! I grew up in northern Minnesota an hour or so north of Duluth and we used to pick up WLS from Chicago back in the 70s.
Thanks for watching! I listened to WLS on AM here in Virginia back in the 70's. I love AM DXing!
Thanks for sharing. Just beginning to research HF verticals. I have been using home brew 75m dipole for 20 years
Thanks for watching!
Another great video that gives hope to use with limited real-estate for conventional antennas. Thanks again, Walt
Thanks for watching! 73, Walt K4OGO
Hey Walt! I have the Sigma, aluminum version of this and use it as a portable antenna for my motorhome. I utilize a couple of different mounting options - ground mounted on a bicycle repair stand that I have modified to bolt the bracket on and a flag pole mount on the rear of my coach that gets it about 14' up in the air at the base. I have had outstanding luck with it as I travel around the western US. I've worked all over North & South America, Asia, the South Pacific and even a couple of openings into Europe. I regularly check into an 75m net in the evenings as well. All of this barefoot on a IC-7300 or my old Yaesu FT-100 mobile, all band rig. While on the road in the coach, I don't have the luxury of a fixed antenna. This gives me the ability to get on the air, have some fun and provides a quick and easy way to deploy an antenna, even in a limited space like a campsite! (I also carry two 9:1, EFRW - 1 50' and 1 84' as well as a ZSKBKW dipole with a 40'' extendable fiberglass pole in the MH for those times when I have more room to play with)
Keep up the good reviews! Always enjoy your content! Best 73, de KN6ER
Thank you Bill and thanks for sharing! Great setups, I want to travel around the Eastern US after I retire and do something similar. 73 my friend!
one mans drink is another mans poison... I have bought this antenna and have it on a wall bracket with the Se-X 80 add on antennas and it works great!
I have had the aluminium version for 2 years and it's great. I am 118 metres above sea level and have had brilliant results. The only thing that I had to do was waterproof the joints and drill a couple of holes on the underside of the unun. Furthest contact so far from the UK is Uruguay, 6,735 miles! It's also pretty much maintainance free.
Awesome!
It's all relative I suppose. We are so lucky to live high up and on the coast so I suppose the salt water helps. My wife has been great about my hobby and the antennas on the house. I would love a Yagi on a rotator but at what point does it get beyond a hobby?
Thanks for the review. I cannot use this at my condo but if I ever get my station set up at our camper, this might be a possibility.
BTW nice shirt!
Thanks! Yes this might be a good option for a camper.
Thanks for the honest review Walt
Thanks for watching Tim!
Thanks for the thorough honest review….. very helpful…
Thanks for watching!
Nice T shirt . I lived in Chicago for 38 years. Good review .
Good info Walt, cheers! 🍻
Thanks for an honest and fair review. I always wonder when people give glowing reviews of the "magic" compromise antenna. Well, most practical antennas are a compromise in some regard.
I completely agree. Thanks for watching
I bought the aluminum one listed as a Harvest. Shipped from california to Canada for just shy of $200.00 Canadian. I love it.
i BOUGHT A USED Antron 99 , solid performer on 10, 12, 15 & 17. Tuned for 10M. Fantastic results on all of these bands. I think these type of verticals or overlooked as they are affordable and always work.
Have used an Antron A99 for years mostly on 10 meters and 11 meter CB band but also have tuned it up on 12, 15 and 17. Longest contacts for me using that antenna and those bands was 10 meters to Australia and New Zealand countless times along with Johannesburg, South Africa on 17 meters during 2009 solar minimum along with South America, Russia, Europe, etc. It was best 65 dollars I spent at the time back in 1999 and its still up 24 years later and still works. I might even buy another one at some point to replace the current one.
I had the MFJ version of this antenna. It worked semi ok on 20 meters and above. I might have made a contact or two on 30 meters. It was basically useless on 40 and 80 meters. It was, however, not a bad antenna for shortwave listening. After about one year, the mount failed from metal fatigue and the whole thing came down in a windstorm. You can save yourself a pile of money and put up a simple random wire made out of speaker wire and get much better performance to boot.
You have the Michael Fucking Jackson version! Cool!
I just spit my beer back in my glass Blahahaha
@@COASTALWAVESWIRES 😎
Where do you suggest I buy my Sky Hooks so I could hang that wire antenna since I have ZERO trees anywhere on my property? Thanks much.👍🎙😳😵💫
@@1OFGODSOWN I use a DX Commander Classic telescoping pole with a 29 ft random wire, 9:1 unun and 1:1 unun as a choke. I don't have trees close to my home either. I got this idea from Walt on this CoastalWavesWires channel that we are on. Walt has many ideas on how to set up wire antennas on different DX Commander poles without using trees. He also uses Squid Poles to hang random wires, too. Check it out. I got my first DX contact from Texas on this setup. I live in north central Georgia. I hope this helps. 73s.
Thanks for the honest review. I've looked at this antenna numerous times and wasn't sure if it was worth it. For me? Just won't work for my situation. But again, very honest and detailed reveiw.
Thanks for watching, I’m glad it gave you some insight. 73, Walt K4OGO
Nice shirt! I was the Chief Engineer at WLS and the company LMA’d the Loop for a few years. Sad that it’s gone now. I have just put up the aluminum version of that antenna with an auto-tuner at the base, and I have radials under it. No vertical will work well without radials. Anyone who believes that doesn’t understand the basics of antennas. Just because you have good SWR doesn’t mean it’s actually radiating a good signal. Even a dummy load radiates to some degree, but you won’t be working many people on it. I can’t speak for this add-on radials, but mine are buried in my yard.
Exactly, that was pretty much the point I was making about my performing because of the metal roof under it. Thanks for watching and commenting.
Thanks for an honest review
I had this antenna in the Sigma x80 aluminum version, and I fully share your opinion, I think it's a decent antenna for those who have little space and work a lot in digital, I also tried adding resonant radials but the situation changed little.
I have this antenna I have it tuned for 12 meters. it works excellent on 12 and also on 10. with a tuner. I use it on 17 as well the swr is high but it still works. I removed the unun, from the bottom, took the connector off and and reinstalled it on the bottom of the antenna. there is a hole already drilled and the connector fits perfect. I also added 6 radials to this setup have it mounted on the roof sitting in a cement weighted patio umbrella stand. I have used it on 15 as well with good results but 10,12 and 17 it does the job well with my setup.
Jeff
va3xq
Awesome Jeff, thanks for sharing!
Most chain-link fences make exceptional radial systems for vertical antennas regardless of band. The longer the better, especially on the low bands. The older fences which have horizontal pipes on top work the best. Just make sure to bond the horizontal pipes to the posts in the ground with good quality braid. I have used mobile antennas, 6BTV's, Hy-Gain's, and others, including a home-made 75/40 meter vertical. With a little tuning, all worked fantastic!
Good explanation of mixed reviews.
I have mine about 3 inch from the ground and I've added 30 ground planes each 30 feet long.
I get reasonable results on the 10 watts I'm permitted to use.
I like it enough I gave it to a friend of mine. And recently ordered another one to have handy. They just work.
Yes they do!
Hi Walt, it’s a good review.
If you can live only with 20 meters, a delta loop antenna can also do wonders. It has low noise floor and its gain is better than a vertical, it’s not hard to build one with wire and a 4:1 unun.
Thanks! I wish I had the space for a delta loop. Great antenna.
@@COASTALWAVESWIRES on Poland you do! Or will the HOA karen summon behind you as soon as you touch an antenna? It’s possible, I suspect HOA was created by the devil itself haha kidding 73s
Even the great Callum DX Commander recently admitted the Delta loop is the finest HF antenna.
What kind of power will the delta loop handle?
Good review! Thanks
I read somewhere that one of the tricks is to make sure it is Not resonant on any band at all.
Maybe bunkum, but i'll give it a try if i get my hands on one.
I purchase a self attenuating anten from MAPLIN years ago. Connected it to a ship to shore radio and easily contacted boats many miles away than my yacht antena would reach.
Cool!
I listen to the loop love the shirt
Sounds like you’ve been able to turn the challenges of your QTH to your advantage, harnessing that metal roof as the perfect elevated ground plane
Walt,
I Live 60 miles from the Pacific coast in Oregon State.
I did not tune the antenna at all. I have the antenna mounted about 15 ft High above the eve of my house on a metal pole. I have a Sigma Eurocom HF-360 antenna. I check in to the 80 M and 40 m Regional Nets with great success. While it is not an excellent 80 M or 40 m antenna, I have found it works really well for regional check-ins on those bands. I check in to 80 M CW Nets on a routine basis and have an 80 m CW rag chew with a friend in Washington State multiple times every week.
Awesome, thanks for sharing
Wow, that's a LOT of echo in the audio!
Thanks for the video.
Love the Loop dirt!
Great shirt!!! Chicago born at the best time for rock radio!!
Oh how good rock radio used to be!
Bypassing the built-in 6:1 unun with a separate 9:1 works better and will easily tune with a simple in-radio tuner.
How do you do that?
Did you take the original balun out box on bottom antenna and build 9:1 in there or just added inline onto coax cause I would done that
if it tuned better ?
This thing has got to work good on 10 m SSB am & FM. For me plus 12 15 17 guess 20 don't care about 40 thats for a wire .
And do you think keep in in grass with wire radials on it or nknd?
Thank you
Make a video showing how you did this.
I have one, it's great. My old one broke in high winds. But the top section plus the whip tunes to 10m. I also the top with a Slidewinder coil for portable work, can't fault it.
Great info, thanks for sharing
Excellent review!
Thank you Denny!
Thanks for your review. Audio sounded as if recorded in bathroom (sorry for raining on the parade)
Thanks for watching, yes I’m having a mic issue. Sorry
I did not tune my Sigma Version, purchased about 5 years ago. I did make a contact with Australia and Italy from San Diego. Mounted on a vent drain pipe on my deck about 20 feet into the air. I did not "tune" it and to see it costing a couple hundred dollars less than what I paid, it's worth the money now. I think I paid $400 for the Sigma. I just erected a GAPFILLER DX 31ft vertical and the Sigma has taken a back seat.
I use one for a receive only for my sdr play and it picks up every band including fm radio and am radio, uhf,vhf, and air
I have a similar antenna, fault #1 - there's no drain hole on the balun so it got waterlogged quickly. And it's more a single band antenna not a multi band. I got my aluminum one tuned for the 15 meter band now and it's doing decent there.
Another informative video. Thank you sir.
Thank you!!
I love the loop shirt. Nuff said.
I just don't see it as a bargain or great antenna. Granted it's a simple install and does not take a lot of space: However, if I am going to need a tuner and another easy to install antenna I have great success using a 9:1 unun with a 41' radiator wire and 25' counterpoise. The end of the radiator wire can be hoisted over a branch or tethered to a lightweight fiberglass mast with total cost under $100.
You do give a good review of the good and not so good so WELL DONE on your part, just not my cup of tea.
Ironically most guys miss that an aluminum mast itself can be used as an antenna provided you use the correct length for the frequencies. Its even broader on band because b of its size of 1.5 to 2.5 inches. Radials in still required
Great video as usual that shirt you got on is a classic the loop is still on wckg hd 1 people don't know about it
Thanks! I miss some of the old classic stations.
Hi Walt. I enjoy your videos. I was thinking of getting a Xiegu G90 and your video on the G90 tipped it in -LOL. I’m leaving a comment because typically only a person who grew up in the Chicago area in the 80’s would even know what a WLUP shirt was-let alone where one (btw-awesome). Did you live in the Chicago area?
Thanks! No I have just visited a few times and loved the station. I collect t-shirts from various radio stations. You’re going to love the G90
Interesting message from The Echo Chamber, I think :-)!
I have the aluminium version there's more scope for tuning between lengths i also have the add on kit for 80m and 40m i use 2 earth rods either side of it and it is mounted on a steel pole driven 4 feet into the ground and mounted 2 feet of the ground works great with my g90 on 10w. Keep up the good work 73s M7CLI.
Thank you so much! 73, Walt
I've been checking out your videos for a while, and enjoying them all. Between THIS Antenna and your Homebrewed Coastal 20, how do they compare just on the bands they both cover?
They are hard to compare because I use the Coastal 20 in a perfect setup next to saltwater and this one is up on my roof. My guess is that this one would perform as good if not better than the wire if it was next to saltwater. 73, Walt
Still have my Loop Tee Shirt from the late 70's.
I have the Comet CHA250B, haven't installed it but hope to this spring. I was told it works best at 50ft and over, I have a 50ft free-standing tower so we will see.
Did you get round to installing it? How's it performing? Thinking and looking at various ones at the moment, BB7V seems to fit my needs more being kind of vehicle portable for using on holiday / motorhome, plus it states being mounted low can help... Just so sceptical of these type of antennas... we can all match a wet noodle but it's how they performs is the key. Thanks 73.
When people take advertising, nearly *any* advertising as being 100% truthful, I think they're usually going to be sorely disappointed. I first learned that lesson when I bought some "Sea Monkeys" from an advertisement in some magazine when I was a kid. I didn't get any "monkeys" at all, "sea" or land-based. The only thing I got were some tiny, almost microscopic brine shrimp! *LOL*
I also learned my lesson in 1989 when I had first gotten my Novice Amateur License. I bought one of the _magical verticals_ that (supposedly) covered 80 - 10 meters with "no tuning." All I got were more "Sea Monkeys," just in a vertical configuration. 😆 Actually, that antenna did have radials included, and probably worked better that many of the other multi-band verticals that were/are sold.
Walt I love your videos but I love your T-shirt even more! The Loop! Chicago AM1000 in the 90's! Kevin Mathews and Jim Shorts, Jonathan Brandmeier and Buzz the Blues Man Kilman, Steve Dahl and Garry Meyer. 8 hours a day of the best comedy radio ever! Really enjoy your videos on antennas and the Xiegu G90! Stay safe in Poland (certainly safer than Chitown.)
Thanks so much Dennis! I listened to the Loop many nights on AM1000 back in the day.
Never buy the x80 aluminum version unless you pot the un-un or better still move it from underneath and seal it in a box (I use a sandwich box). The fibreglass version is not a problem. The extra radials plus pack really does open up 40 and 80 once you have tuned them (the whips can also be used portable like a hamstick) although they are best described as fair not good. I lasted six months with one of these before setting up a long wire as well but still use the x80 which together with a mag loop and the long wire gives me all the QRP performance I need in my small shack . If you are just starting up or even a CB'er then give it a go - it really works. 73 . M7BLC
We call this the EuroComm 80 and I have 1 up around 25ft, its not the best but it works 👍
Moonraker is a good brand, they pair with several companies Sharman is another
Excellent review, I think you were pretty objective and not overly harsh.
I really appreciate how you qualified you findings, thoughts and opinions. Well done
Thank you so much!
the loop!, Nice shirt.
Thank you! 73, Walt
I wish I had seen this video before I bought the Sigma Eurocomm version with the 40/80 radial kit. In practice this antenna is a complete waste of space, time and money. It halves my signal and introduces noise where noise on my end fed wire has none. I have the fibreglass version and have tried it on a metal roof, at ground level and on a 7 meter pole. Nothing, nada. It’s not really that good on 20m in any case but on other bands it’s useless.
The sick thing is the “branded” version sells for something like US$500 here, I got mine from the UK and it was still not cheap. And it started to rust within days of installation even though I’m a good distance from the sea.
Save your money, it’s junk. Great review.
Thanks!
The A-zon reviews are mixed
somd people got good results.
I'm a fan of 10 & 17
Do you think that the top whip
has to be longer to resonate better
I bet on a fense or wires on ground would make it work better especially when ground is wet
for 40 .
Ok thanks for your input on this
antenna 73z
I was using my aluminum version at 50 watts and the unun melted through the plastic box. That seems to be the weak link for these antennas. Replaced the unun with one from MyAntennas and it worked decent on 20M u til I replaced it with a fan dipole. I now use the old antenna as a portable antenna for POTA.
I always get a kick out of some of the comments on Amazon and other places from "experts" who don't understand how antennas work. For coax to work as a counterpoise you have to may have to have a long run dropping straight down from the connection (think vertical dipole).
I bought one and have mounted it on a 10' pole. At this height off the ground the best SWR I can get is 4:1. I'll have to lower it get the SWR right. But worse, it doesn't hear very well. Even if I get the SWR right I will go back to my MFJ-2220 because of the reception. I'll play with it for a While.
I spent 40 winters in Chicago. Loved the Loop, back in the day when Jonathan Brandmeier, Kevin Matthews and Steve Dahl were the popular disc-jockeys. I live in a high-rise and I'm looking for an antenna that can mount to the balcony railing. Not sure sure this would work for me, I'd have to experiment. Appreciate the review though!! Cheers and 73! Lambert, W3LAM
Thanks for watching! Consider a coil like the Slidewinder DX or Wolf River Coil on a mirror mount with a small telescopic whip. I think that would be a great little balcony antenna. If you check out any of my videos on the Slidewinder DX you’ll see the mount I’m talking about. I use it on a copper ground rod portable. 73!
I have a lot of antennas laying around. a hustle , a twenty meter in the garage an army stick for ten. at the moment i have the big gap a g 5 rv which need to be tied beck up. it came down in the wind. it is copy of a g5rv that i had i have and one more antenna that is a no tune, but it can't take over two hundred watts.
I think marketing knew what they were doing, when advertising this as a Multi Band antenna !
As at first glance I was thinking you simply use a tuner, and you're off to the races !
But instead, I wonder if the Idea was to adjust the top of the antenna, in hopes of bringing it near resonance of a given Ham Band ?
Seems you've found the sweet spot for it on 20 !
I purchased the Aluminum version, but have yet to install it, but you've likely saved me and other's the frustration and time, fighting this thing !
You didn't mention it, but I wonder if attaching additional wire to the top of the antenna, might make it a little more frequency agile ?
Just a thought ?
Hopefully as the weather moves towards Spring, I'll get some experimenting done ?
BTW...., do you know the power handling stats on this antenna ?
Wondering if the Aluminum version may handle more ?
And if it's not too late, I believe spraying the antenna with a UV protective sealant would add to it's life, as the fiberglass will begin to break down and splinter, after being in the sun !
And trust me, you will want to wear gloves, glasses, and long sleeves, when messing with one thats been in the Sun for awhile !
Don't ask how I know !
Lol !
Thanks again for posting !
'73
Similar to a Comet CHA 250B or the new 250HD. Mine does amazing on 20. Similar results on other bands.
The reverb in that 'live' room you talked from was a bit irritating....
The information, however, seemed sound....
Thanks for posting...
Great review as always Walt!
Regarding 10m performance not sure why you experienced poor results….as a half wave end fed vertical it should perform even better than on 20m as a mere 1/4 wave.?…maybe it needs a different ratio un-un…should not need any ATU with the correct ratio.
Thoughts?
Yes, I think it's the unun ratio for sure.
Great video , I guess it’s working great as a quarter wave on 20m I wonder if you could bypass the unun and use a 49 to 1 transformer for 10 m this may help making it a half wave, thanks
Thanks for watching, that’s an interesting idea
I enjoyed this video and another where you built a 20m vertical with speaker wire. I’m curious if you believe this antenna works better on 20 than the home brew speaker wire antenna? I’m thinking this antenna looks easier to setup but I’d rather use whichever option provides the best performance. Thanks!
Thanks, honestly if you are just looking to work an individual band like 20 meters the home brew antenna for that band will work much better. If you're looking for a multiband antenna and have limited space and options this is a good choice as long as you have a way to tune it with either a built in Automatic Antenna Tuner in your radio or an external one. Hope that answers your question and helps. All the best and 73, Walt
@@COASTALWAVESWIRES Perfect! Thanks!
Great video thanks!!
Thanks for watching!
Hi Walt - Based on your initial review, I purchased a HF 360 from Sigma. The tip of the whip is at 24'. I do not have any radials and it works okay. FT8 contact in Mexico was about as far as I've gotten. SSB as far as California, but mostly closer to QTH. On average I see that 1000 - 1500 miles.
I am assuming the metal roof/flashing whatever it at your home/condo was acting as a ground plane in your first video. Unfortunately I have no way to run radials; perhaps I could add some rigid radials, but I would need to figure out if that would be helpful and if so, what length and how many.
Your audio was not the best ever... I will have to watch again with headphones on.
Thanks for the info. Hope the trip goes well.
Thanks for watching, sorry for the audio, I'm having some issues with that as I'm travelling. All the best and 73!
Your radials should be 1\4 wave to desired frequency of the antenna. 3 or 4 it's great. If you want it to be more directional have them form a V open to the long path for DX. 4' above ground is good but a full wave or half wave is perfect.
Good morning, and thanks for your video.
In another video, you say that vertical antenna is fine for portable. Is this antenne performe less than the other you show in your video 10 best antenna for portable?
From what I’ve learned the coil antenna when tuned properly is a resonant antenna and will have less loss than an antenna with a transformer. For the small shorter size it’s a great antenna but probably doesn’t perform as good as the long vertical half wave antenna.
@@COASTALWAVESWIRES Thanks for your answer. I thought the loading coil was only there to adjust the impedance and therefore did not do more than just a transformer.
I would be curious if the aluminum version with the cactus touch to resonate on 15m & 10m would improve performance on those bands.
Add some wire radials and low loss coax it works well
I got one ... a HF 360 from Sigma. I live in belgium europe and due to the low radiation angle ... in a circle of 500km ... nogo but every station above 500km away ... 9+ easy.
I average make +1000km contacts .... 3000km easly and I had a contact with Brasil too ... about 8000km away. I heard Falkland islands and japan too with this thing and I'm in a enclosed by builings situation over here with the antenna just sticking out above my roof.
It's defenetly not a perfect antenna but it's certainly not a dummy load. It works .... and if you are in a compromised situation ... well .... give it a try ;)
Well said! Thanks for watching
Exactly what I have seen too. The antenna has made the difference between radio and no radio.
It seems the current version on AMZ is about $229 if you can find one in stock. For POTA I can make a pile of speaker wire antennas for each band including adapting it to my 7.2M carbon fiber fishing pile. Thanks for sharing and giving me some ideas. Cheers, Davey - KU9L
Currently 2 different versions on Amazon, one at each price point.
I'd love a comparison between this and the Coastal 20.
Hmmmm, I'll have to do that
MFJ makes a 17' extendable whip with a loading coil that I use POTA 40 and up. Get that for that metal roof
I use that setup for portable as well
Dig the loop tshirt.. Thats when radio was great...
Yes radio was so great then!!!
I have the aluminum version ground mounted at 10" with 62 radials in various lengths and make contacts all around the world and my ic7300 tunes every band but 80m
Well worth the $109
Thanks for sharing Gene!
how did you attach your radials?????
Well done..!!
Thank you!
Great review. I just bought the Sigma HF 360 1kW version with the Plus Kit. (it's not up yet) My hope is the Plus Kit will help on the 40/80 meter bands. It's a pretty cheap add on, so any chance you'd add one to your antenna and do a review?
I may give it a try eventually. I’m a little worried it would draw attention from my HOA. Thanks for watching and good luck with the antenna!
@@COASTALWAVESWIRES yeah thanks, if I can get the results you got, I'd be pretty happy. If 10 meters doesn't work out, I might try some home made radials. I forgot you were HOA, but looking at the Plus Kit, it doesn't add much footprint, especially if you are able to face the radials down. Love your vids!
@@jimcav1013 thanks so much!
I was told by Sir Paul at Sigma Com the plus-kit will not take more than 100 watts! I have th big unun on mine and will hit it with 500 from my 811 amp that’s all JohnBoyUtah KJ7TBR🇺🇸😎📡🎙
Which one did you buy exactly? I heard something about Amazon...Thnak you
a.co/d/cYGY2W2
I have the XE-80. I have it mounted on a brick wall with 100' coax no radials. 6m-20m tunes and works well. Lets give it a 7 out of 10. On 20m from California. I have worked most of N America with some DX. Would I buy one again, Yes. Easy to install and get working. But it still a sub $150 antenna.
Thanks for sharing!
Harvest, Grabil are pretty much the same Taiwan company that makes really good gear for fair prices. Better than MFJ in the final accounting. Imo
You and both know living on Saltwater makes the Vertical shine without ground plain on the conventional sense. You have a perfect conducting groundwave.
Great shirt! Excellent review. Please get a microphone.
Thanks, Sorry about the audio, I’m on a work assignment overseas without my mic.
@@COASTALWAVESWIRES I wondered why your audio was as it was... l
Janet also has one I hear!🤣 I think they are make by the same company in UK that makes the CB antennas, silver rod and thunderpole 5. Seems a neat idea, but like you say you probably need something to push against. 6:1 should help minimise coax loss. 73 Steve MW0SAW
Thanks for watching! 73 Walt K4OGO
Might be ok for 11m band for CB. My own antenna is a big 43' Hy-Gain VA6160. Since I put this antenna up, conditions haven't been that great to test it properly. I might increase the height of my antenna too.
As I said in the video this antenna is not very good on 10 meters so I’m thinking it would not do well on 11.
@@COASTALWAVESWIRES probably not. I've seen the SIGMA variants on E-Bay, & I left them alone.
That's a pretty cool installation! I like the old fire escape. I would think about a hex beam up there! 73. K1QS.
Hahaha I wish I could put one up there and get away with it. I think my Condo Association would end my home base ops!
I have one for about 10 years it's ok. But after it is up for about a year or more you will need gloves if you do anything with it. If not, you will get fiberglass splinters all over your hand.
I varnished mine with clear polyurethane several coats! Will not hurt performance and no splinters 🇺🇸😎📡🎙JohnBoyUtah KJ7TBR. 73
Like any fiberglass antenna.
Applying a sealer helps, but not foolproof.
Hi, hope your well my friend. That ant looks very simple to use and effective on the higher bands, unfortunately, with my poor ears and the high echo in your room, I couldn't really understand much of what you saying sorry about Walt. Look forward to the next one. Take care and have a nice weekend. 73 brian zl3xdj.
Yes I’m stuck here in Poland without my good mic. Sorry for the audio quality
No vertical radiates on all bands equally well. Only 160,80,40,20,10 are harmonics, the other bands must be matched. Chickenladder dipole is best, but needs switchable matchbox, swr-meter and balun
Reminds me of a silver rod cb antenna
What is the over all length you have this antenna at
I have one without much success. I mainly use 20 meters too.
Wow I put this up so long ago I can’t really remember the length
@@COASTALWAVESWIRES I have been a ham since I was 1976 when I was 13. I have been in and out of ham radio but never let my license expire. Started off KA0FEV now AL7NS from when I was stationed in AK
I am just getting back into ham radio and I know I am making this harder than it should be.
Maybe in the future we can do some activations, I'm about 6mi away
Hi Walt.. yet again, another great informative video with "real experience" observations.. Thanks for sharing your experience with all the products you use.. very useful content for everyone.. Keep up the great video productions.. 73 k0klb
Thanks so much Kevin!!!
👀 . . .🙋♂👍
@@DK5ONV hey Uncle G!
@@COASTALWAVESWIRES Happy weekend to you Uncle Walter