Rugged WARC Tri-Band HF Linked Dipole Antenna (Black, 30m, 17m, 12m) Ham Radio
Rugged WARC Tri-Band Linked Dipole HF Antenna (Black, 30m, 17m and 12m). This listing is for (1) Rugged WARC Tri-Band (30m, 17m and 12m) HF Linked Dipole Antenna in all black. The set includes the 12m legs mounted to a BNC terminal, 17m and 30m extensions, a BNC cap (yellow) and printed instructions/info sheet.
This antenna is perfect for any amateur radio operator and is specifically designed to meet the needs of QRP, off-grid communications, EMCOMM (emergency communications), POTA (parks on the air), SOTA (summits on the air) or even base stations. The antenna weighs just 10 oz fully assembled and fits in a small bag, pouch or cargo pants pocket for easy transport to and from remote operating locations. Because of its simple design and robust build, the antenna can operate up to 100 watts SSB and does NOT require use of a tuner. WARC BANDS -- The 12 meter, 17 meter and 30 meter bands, known as the WARC bands, are special because they are not used during amateur radio contesting. As a result, these bands are more often available for real-world, emergency and routine traffic without getting constantly stepped on.
All three bands can be used for local, regional or even continental/DX communications, depending on antenna configuration, power output and band conditions. ROBUST BUILD -- These antennas are built from the highest quality materials and are designed to take significant use and abuse. The dipole's center assembly is protected by a double layer of rubberized heat shrink and the internal connections are sealed in a very durable resin. Terminals are crimped, soldered and weather sealed to prevent deterioration or failure.
LINKED DIPOLE DESIGN -- As a linked dipole, you can use this antenna in multiple configurations with NO tuner required. Raise up the BNC terminal on a mast, tree or other point and use the integrated 12m legs to work that single band, or connect the included 17m and/or 30m extensions to enable operations on all three bands. This antenna can be used in any number of configurations, including NVIS (center and ends at approximately 6' off the ground), V (center at the ground and ends raised in the air) or inverted V (center raised in the air and ends towards the ground). To change bands, simply unplug the quick disconnects at the ends of the 12m or 17m legs.
Note: In order to use the 30m band, you must install the 17m extensions first. The 30m extensions are cut specifically to include the 17m extensions. TUNING AND TESTING -- Each band on the antenna is manually tuned to within 2:1 SWR, which is well within operating limits of most modern radio systems (in fact, up to 3:1 SWR is acceptable without a tuner).
The PSK Reporter snapshot included in the photos of this listing is an example of this antenna being used with only 20W of power, strung up at 7' height, inside a 1st floor apartment, surrounded by other apartments on all sides, and with all of the RFI that comes with apartment living. Because it is built at home in small batches, I spend a significant amount of time ensuring the highest quality workmanship. However, if your antenna ever fails, please contact me directly. I will do my best to make it right by repairing or replacing any defective parts.
If you have specific ideas on how to make this design better, please let me know! Turn-around time to build is approximately two weeks, although I will do my best to get it built and out the door within only a few days.
By purchasing this WARC antenna, you agree to the turn-around times described here. American Proud -- Designed and built in the U.