Does the job on HF for me!

This review is for the Alpha Antenna vertical multi-band with the stainless steel alpha match which supports the collapsible whip antenna. I think there are earlier versions of an Alpha multi-band going back several years which had different component construction. But my use and review is specifically for the latest version with the steel alpha match unit.

Along with the steel alpha match, I use their heavy duty tripod, along with the one counterpoise wire supplied with the unit. This tripod is substantial but easy to fold and carry. It has pointed plastic spikes on each foot and that makes it easy to push it into the ground to stabilize the tripod and thus the whole unit. The tripod is around 6 feet and the alpha match unit screws onto the tripod and then the 13 foot whip screws onto the top of the alpha match unit. I have had no problem at all with stability of the whole antenna as deployed. It stays in place as intended.

As a new ham, I wanted a simple installation to get moving and operating. My test was, “can I put this together and operate without messing it up”. Passed that test. No measuring, computing, configuring, climbing trees, slingshots into trees, walking on roof. Plug and play. Now I can operate while having time to consult with my new ham friends on how to wire up my yard at some point. But for now, I’m in no hurry because this antenna is much more than I had anticipated.

Even with a long run of 75 feet of LMR-400 coax to the antenna, the SWR meter shows very low readings. Low across all bands. The internal tuner on my Yaesu FT 1200, has no problem bringing it down to no more than 1.3:1 and usually lower than that.

The performance. It does the job for me. Even with the much documented declining band conditions, when a band opens, this vertical hits what is there. No amp. All SSB phone. In the first 2 months operating, when my work schedule permitted some radio time, the Alpha vertical allowed me to log 34 US States and 16 countries. My two highlights were a 5 minute QSO with Auckland, New Zealand and a special event station in Omsk, Russia. I am very pleased with the performance.

One last thing. Steve, the head of Alpha Antenna, is a great example of how to actively run a company and build customer loyalty. I had a question about placement options of the counterpoise. I emailed him my question on a Sunday afternoon at 4 pm. My inbox had his response and answer at 5 pm. On a Sunday. C’mon who does that? Steve obviously.

In summary, this Alpha Antenna multi-band vertical is easy. No worries. Less than 5 minutes and you are on the air having fun, making good contacts worldwide, the neighbors think you have a weather monitor on a tripod, and the family is not yelling at you to get off the roof or out of the tree. For me it is an exceptional antenna and does the job.

Robert J.

W4RJJ

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