ZeroFive Antenna -- Performance

After prepping the parts, installing the antenna, and installing the radials, we finally get to performance of the 40-10 meter vertical from ZeroFive Antennas.

The antenna is designed to work with a tuner. In my case, I use the built-in tuner on the Yaesu FT-1000MP.

SWR is more than acceptable with the tuner.

Radials make a difference in SWR

I installed some radials and then measured the SWR. Each time I installed more radials, the SWR was different.

Here's what it looked like:

Frequency		30-radials		45-radials		60-radials
7.000		2.50		1.80		1.80
7.300		2.75		2.00		2.00
10.100		2.75		2.80		2.80
10.150		2.60		2.80		2.80
14.000		1.80		1.90		2.00
14.350		2.00		2.00		2.00
18.068		1.70		1.70		1.80
18.168		1.80		1.90		1.70
21.000		2.10		2.50		2.50
21.450		1.50		1.90		1.70
24.890		1.60		1.50		1.30
24.990		1.60		1.60		1.20
28.000		1.30		1.50		1.40
28.300		1.20		1.40		1.30
28.600		1.20		1.40		1.20
29.000		1.20		1.30		1.20

As I mentioned, these SWR ranges are easily handled by my tuner.

On-the-air

I have not made hundreds of contacts yet with this antenna, so early on performance can't be based upon experience. That may change this weekend with Field Day; we shall see.

However, I can say that this antenna works what it hears. There have been enough contacts that were tough for me to hear where the other person was copying me Q5, regardless of signal strength. I attribute that to the radials and the path of the radiated signal from the vertical.

Consequently, I very pleased with the results. ZeroFive puts out some killer antennas; the construction of the hardware is first-rate. You will note how small a profile this antenna makes; ZeroFive just added a "flagpole" line of antennas -- with flags!

Plus, the single band antennas would make a great four-square or other type of vertical gained antenna.

I'd highly recommend ZeroFive Antennas for both their product and their service.

You can see all the pictures at SmugMug.

Scot, K9JY