Thanks for sharing. I have one as well. It's great for covering multiple bands with little work. However, I have found its limitations, but I'm still happy with it.
Also thank you for this video in the comments in your other video i told i bought this antenna because my house burned down and living now in a mobile home for the time being. Thank you so much for this honest video and i subscribed. I also bought a ATAS 120 A and im curious which is the better one from the two. 73 from the german Dutch border. PD0BTW/ DO1BTW
Para los que usamos la traducción oral de Google, el que usen medidas métricas, es muy importante, hace mas comprensible el tema antenas. (se podría usar las dos, Imperial y Métrica) 73 Cordiales.
Is this a review of the FT8 software or of the antenna? Part of Joe Taylor's suite of software is used by NASA to maintain contact with spacecraft so far away that we cannot even visualise it. Is it any wonder that it'll allow one computer to shake hands with another 12,000 miles hence? A better test of this antenna would be to use a voice mode. At least one of these two related Diamond antennas has a matrix of resistors inside but then so does a TTFD antenna and the military use(d) those. I built a knock off of a similar slightly optimised design by adding two extensions to a CB half wave vertical and the SWR settles at plus or minus 5:1 fully broadband which has to be tweaked with an ATU, ao I'm under no illusions regarding what the BB7V is. All hail the omnipotent Joe Taylor.
Thanks for your insightful comment! While the video focuses on the antenna, it's always fascinating to hear how software like FT8 plays a role in long-distance communication. Your thoughts on testing with voice modes are definitely worth considering!
Nice, but pricey antenna. Alternativ: "random wire" antenna 10.5 meters long on a spiderbeam telescope pole/5 meter counterpoise or some other kind of ground, 9:1 balun and "tuner." There are trailer hitch mounts available or roll-on mounts (or build one yourself). Costs a fraction of the price of this antenna. As a newbie I bought an expensive manufactured antenna that promised 6 to 160 meters (with tuner). It was a bust. A simple random wire antenna was "louder" than my store bought one. I have been building my own simple wire antennas ever since. If you have the spare change for this antenna, well more power to you.
One thing about antenna systems, everyone has an opinion, this is why I always produce receipts to show how well they work. Some of our other videos show this. Everyone has an opinion about everything, we welcome them here.
Interesting for sure, but id really have to believe the efficiency is just awful. I believe the great contacts you've made must 99% rely on good band conditions. Itd be Interesting to compare it on wspr to say, a vertical random wire with a few radials. This isn't criticism, but my curiosity and thinking out loud, love your videos.
It’s POTA i.e. portable. Why would you spend $600 on an antenna like that, then elevate it? I’m a big fan of elevated verticals, but I mount a 17 foot extendable whip on a photo tripod with a couple of tuned radials. I run QRP and fill the log running guys constantly for an hour. Easy setup. Easy takedown. Efficient and affordable. To me, even roof mag mounted hamaticks would be a better choice for POTA. I’m not knocking you. I’m sure that antenna works FB, but not an efficient choice IMHO. 73 Marc, W4MPS
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Marc! I appreciate your perspective on portable setups. It’s always great to hear what works for different operators in the field!
These things are glorified dummy loads, they're very broadband at the cost of efficiency. The compromise antenna of compromise antennas. I never had good luck with the one our group used to have, and after some digging I saw one taken apart and figured out why.
I worked Australia yesterday 5/4 report on 20m during some pretty poor band conditions. Mine seems to work just perfectly. See some of my other videos for receipts.
The red FT-8 call signs on your computer are not people waiting to “talk” to you. They are impersonal call signs waiting to make an equally impersonal robotic handshake contact with you. FT-8 contacts have their place I guess, but let’s not call them QSOs.
Thank you for sharing your opinion, which you are welcome to. However, you don't see me or others bashing CW, SSTV, or SSB. Why do people take pleasure in bashing FT4 or FT8? Maybe they don't understand the technology, maybe they are stuck in their ways, or perhaps they just like to keep complaining about anything they don't agree with. Thank you again for your comment.
The data you collect from FT8 isn't really useful to SSB operators. It's the same as texting on your phone but even easier. Thanks for the video. Just doesn't apply to people who want to talk to people. I guess the computers like it. 73,s
Of course it’s useful for SSB . A quick 2 CQ calls (odd and even) of FT8 on each band you’re interested in, a visit to PSK reporter and you can see the propagation conditions using your kit and at your location. Takes around 8 min to check every band from 160m to 10m. Great for comparing antennas too. It’s a tool.
@@outnaboot I just got mine and set it up with and without radials. It is about 4 feet AGL on a wood deck. With the radials (4 at 16' and 4 at 10' long) it was less than 1.4 to 1 on ALL band except for 40m where it was 3.4 to1 on 40. Without the radials it was the same except for 40m which was 3.7 to 1. These readings were iwth my VNA and done with a rg8x cable of 37' long and a 8' rg8x cable. All bands showed a little bit higher but none showed more than 1.6 to 1 except 40 m with the 8' coax. I was making contacts and hearing areas of the USA and Canada that I haven't heard before using my 4BTV and many different wire antennas along with a Zero Five HOA antenna. These antennas work very well and after 40 years of doing this I'm sure they will perform better sometimes (at some locations) and not as good at other times (in other locations). So although this antenna may be not as efficient as other antennas. It worked well for me in the location I had it in. I'm in AZ and have the poorest ground one can imagine. This Dummy Load antenna surprised me with its performance and I'm very happy with it's light weight, ease of setup, and multiband ability. I have several other antennas that ranked high in reviews but performed poorly and vice-versa. That's just the way things are with trying to grab RF out of the sky. Experience and common sense goes a long way in this hobby.
Our club has a Diamond BB7V antenna. I've always had decent results with it.
So far I am very pleased with it
Thanks for sharing. I have one as well. It's great for covering multiple bands with little work. However, I have found its limitations, but I'm still happy with it.
Thanks for the info!
Thank-you for your honest review and opinion.
You are very welcome
The post you are using looks like one from a Eagle One antenna. Where did you purchase it?
Nice intro video, thanks. I checked the web site, and it does state a tuner is required.
Yep
Ive never done ft8 or any digital modes.
It can be alot of fun
Where did you get the tent pole?
@@davidkimbrell8360 Princess Auto in Canada
Also thank you for this video in the comments in your other video i told i bought this antenna because my house burned down and living now in a mobile home for the time being.
Thank you so much for this honest video and i subscribed.
I also bought a ATAS 120 A and im curious which is the better one from the two.
73 from the german Dutch border.
PD0BTW/ DO1BTW
Let me know how it works out for you
I will be recording a follow up video...can I talk to Australia on a vertical?
Yesterday, I managed a 5/4 signal report from Melbourne and got into the Isle of Coll this AM. All on the BB7V vertical. Pretty good dummy load eh!
You say there is a 1Kv version, where can i find that?
Probably best to check with dxengineering or GPS Central directly
Para los que usamos la traducción oral de Google, el que usen medidas métricas, es muy importante, hace mas comprensible el tema antenas. (se podría usar las dos, Imperial y Métrica) 73 Cordiales.
Thank you for your comment and concern
What/why is there tape at the top of the antenna. Think I will order one... they should give you coupons to hand out!!!
There was a rubber tip on the end that I lost so that it just some electrical tape to replace that piece that I lost. Great antenna, highly recommend
Getting this bb7v or a magnetic loop 10-40
Good luck with your decision
Is this a review of the FT8 software or of the antenna? Part of Joe Taylor's suite of software is used by NASA to maintain contact with spacecraft so far away that we cannot even visualise it. Is it any wonder that it'll allow one computer to shake hands with another 12,000 miles hence? A better test of this antenna would be to use a voice mode. At least one of these two related Diamond antennas has a matrix of resistors inside but then so does a TTFD antenna and the military use(d) those. I built a knock off of a similar slightly optimised design by adding two extensions to a CB half wave vertical and the SWR settles at plus or minus 5:1 fully broadband which has to be tweaked with an ATU, ao I'm under no illusions regarding what the BB7V is. All hail the omnipotent Joe Taylor.
Thanks for your insightful comment! While the video focuses on the antenna, it's always fascinating to hear how software like FT8 plays a role in long-distance communication. Your thoughts on testing with voice modes are definitely worth considering!
Nice, but pricey antenna. Alternativ: "random wire" antenna 10.5 meters long on a spiderbeam telescope pole/5 meter counterpoise or some other kind of ground, 9:1 balun and "tuner." There are trailer hitch mounts available or roll-on mounts (or build one yourself). Costs a fraction of the price of this antenna. As a newbie I bought an expensive manufactured antenna that promised 6 to 160 meters (with tuner). It was a bust. A simple random wire antenna was "louder" than my store bought one. I have been building my own simple wire antennas ever since. If you have the spare change for this antenna, well more power to you.
One thing about antenna systems, everyone has an opinion, this is why I always produce receipts to show how well they work. Some of our other videos show this. Everyone has an opinion about everything, we welcome them here.
@@outnaboot you are so right. i was expressing my opinion. good videos!
GPS is a good Address. The IC-718 is super pricy there but the Prices on other Radios are fair.
UG, I love them....the guys there are super awesome and take care of their clients extremely well
Interesting for sure, but id really have to believe the efficiency is just awful.
I believe the great contacts you've made must 99% rely on good band conditions.
Itd be Interesting to compare it on wspr to say, a vertical random wire with a few radials.
This isn't criticism, but my curiosity and thinking out loud, love your videos.
Well, I contacted Australia and Europe on some pretty poor band conditions.
It’s POTA i.e. portable. Why would you spend $600 on an antenna like that, then elevate it? I’m a big fan of elevated verticals, but I mount a 17 foot extendable whip on a photo tripod with a couple of tuned radials. I run QRP and fill the log running guys constantly for an hour. Easy setup. Easy takedown. Efficient and affordable. To me, even roof mag mounted hamaticks would be a better choice for POTA. I’m not knocking you. I’m sure that antenna works FB, but not an efficient choice IMHO. 73
Marc, W4MPS
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Marc! I appreciate your perspective on portable setups. It’s always great to hear what works for different operators in the field!
These things are glorified dummy loads, they're very broadband at the cost of efficiency. The compromise antenna of compromise antennas. I never had good luck with the one our group used to have, and after some digging I saw one taken apart and figured out why.
I worked Australia yesterday 5/4 report on 20m during some pretty poor band conditions. Mine seems to work just perfectly. See some of my other videos for receipts.
Yesterday, I managed a 5/4 signal report from Melbourne and got into the Isle of Coll this AM. All on the BB7V vertical. Pretty good dummy load eh!
The red FT-8 call signs on your computer are not people waiting to “talk” to you. They are impersonal call signs waiting to make an equally impersonal robotic handshake contact with you. FT-8 contacts have their place I guess, but let’s not call them QSOs.
Thank you for sharing your opinion, which you are welcome to. However, you don't see me or others bashing CW, SSTV, or SSB. Why do people take pleasure in bashing FT4 or FT8? Maybe they don't understand the technology, maybe they are stuck in their ways, or perhaps they just like to keep complaining about anything they don't agree with. Thank you again for your comment.
Hey, wanna hear what my computer talked about today?
The data you collect from FT8 isn't really useful to SSB operators. It's the same as texting on your phone but even easier. Thanks for the video. Just doesn't apply to people who want to talk to people. I guess the computers like it. 73,s
That is your opinion, which you are welcome too...
Of course it’s useful for SSB . A quick 2 CQ calls (odd and even) of FT8 on each band you’re interested in, a visit to PSK reporter and you can see the propagation conditions using your kit and at your location. Takes around 8 min to check every band from 160m to 10m. Great for comparing antennas too. It’s a tool.
Sounds pricey for what it is.
You get what you pay for, and this antenna is simply outstanding!
@@outnaboot I just got mine and set it up with and without radials. It is about 4 feet AGL on a wood deck. With the radials (4 at 16' and 4 at 10' long) it was less than 1.4 to 1 on ALL band except for 40m where it was 3.4 to1 on 40. Without the radials it was the same except for 40m which was 3.7 to 1. These readings were iwth my VNA and done with a rg8x cable of 37' long and a 8' rg8x cable. All bands showed a little bit higher but none showed more than 1.6 to 1 except 40 m with the 8' coax.
I was making contacts and hearing areas of the USA and Canada that I haven't heard before using my 4BTV and many different wire antennas along with a Zero Five HOA antenna. These antennas work very well and
after 40 years of doing this I'm sure they will perform better sometimes (at some locations) and not as good at other times (in other locations).
So although this antenna may be not as efficient as other antennas. It worked well for me in the location I had it in.
I'm in AZ and have the poorest ground one can imagine. This Dummy Load antenna surprised me with its performance and I'm very happy with it's light weight, ease of setup, and multiband ability.
I have several other antennas that ranked high in reviews but performed poorly and vice-versa. That's just the way things are with trying to grab RF out of the sky. Experience and common sense goes a long way in this hobby.