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| Reviews Summary for Ventenna VT-27 2M/440 Dual Band |
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Reviews: 15
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Average rating: 4.8/5
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MSRP: $102.
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Description: Vent pipe antenna for 2M/440 Dual-Band Antenna (VT-27). Slides over your existing home plumbing vent pipe and is between 19-36" in height and is used for areas that does not like aerial antenna's or for concealment operations.
Out of the box operations SWR is marginal. Use of antenna tuner like MFJ-922 will enhance it's operations.
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More info: http://www.ventenna.com
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write your own review of the Ventenna VT-27 2M/440 Dual Band.
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KJ4HGN
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Rating: 5/5
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Apr 14, 2009 11:04
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It's a New Vent (tenna)!
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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Our CCRs, like everyone has mentioned, do not allow anything other than TV antennas and small dishes. I was somewhat surprised at the length and breadth of this antenna. It's a bit larger and longer than most "vent pipes" that are on most homes. However, with clever planning, a few different shades of spray paint, we now have an external 2m/70cm antenna!
It took me more time to find all my tools than mounting the antenna. Prepping for, and mounting the antenna, took about an hour. First, from inside the attic, I measured back 10 inches from the roof apex, drilled a 2" hole in the roof as close to a roof joist as I could get. Make sure the hole is 90 degrees from the floor plane (and not the roof pitch). Get as close to the joist as possible.
Next, I installed a two foot long, by 1.5" I.D. black ABS pipe (non conductive), into the roof by mounting it plumb onto the roof joist with two 1.5" metal pipe straps. To allow for water evaporation, (if you decide not to plug the pipe), drill 1/8" holes through and around the pipe, about 6 inches from the bottom. The "new vent" pipe should stick out of the roof enough to accommodate the Ventenna AND a Roof Jack (about 12").
I finished the install outside and fit the roof jack, with a rubber boot, to the new "vent." Don't forget your roof sealer and a few 2" roofing nails!
To complete the stealthiness, I sprayed a faux patina-look to the Ventenna before-hand. I also added an additional keyhole slot-type hole to my newly installed vent pipe to bring the pigtail connector back down through the pipe - back to the inside the attic. Everything was sealed with the caulk-type black roof sealer. Don't forget to add a drip loop to the RG-58.
Back inside, I added another key-hole about 1.5 " from the bottom of the new vent pipe. I pulled the pigtail through this hole and then added an end cap to the pipe. Sealing everything again with the roofing sealer.
The SWR reading was a solid 1.2:1 on 2 meter (at 146MHz @ 5 watts). And yes, I can hit more repeaters with this than my attic mounted copper cactus j-pole! It's amazing what a few additional feet in height will do, as well as a 6 Db gain! The Ventenna company will also provide you with free adaptors for pipes larger than 1.5" ID (you need to tell them though). Awesome job! Oh, and the XYL approves too!
SAFETY: Make sure your ladders are in good condition. Follow ladder safety rules including to have someone hold the ladder for you. Do as much work as possible ON THE GROUND. A rope tied to a gadget-bag helps to get tools up to you without having to go up and down the ladder. Have your wife take pictures! Have fun and 73!
TOOLS and SUPPLIES: 2" door drill, 1/2" wood drill bit', 1/4" drill bit, 1/8 drill bit, roof jack, 1.5" ID x 24" ABS pipe, ABS end cap, 2 - 1.5" metal pipe straps, 4 - stainless wood screws, cordless drill, small pocket level, caulk gun, tube of black roof sealer, 4 - 2" roofing nails, shears, philips screwdriver.
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KE7OSV
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Rating: 5/5
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Jan 25, 2009 19:42
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Ventenna VT-27 works great!
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I live in an area with a strict hoa. I have been using a Diamond x-50 in my attic, and it worked pretty well. But, after seeing an article about the Ventenna I decided to try it. I am very glad that I did. The Ventenna brings in signals full strength, that I used to get with a 3 on my s meter. And, I am able to hit at least 10 more repeaters than b4. The X-50 is a great antenna, but it was at a severe disadvantage being enclosed in my attic. TRY THE VENTENNA. You'll be glad you did. Also, their staff are very professional and helpful.
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W0CLT
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Rating: 5/5
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Mar 5, 2008 20:16
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Works Better Than Expected
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I put this up since we live in a strict covenant area. It was super easy to install, took us under 30 mins to get it on the roof and have coax run to the radio.
I was a bit skeptical on how it would perform but it has done marvelous. SWR, like reported before, is below the published numbers.
I can hit every repeater, ones I couldn't hit with my HT standing in my backyard, and it works great on simplex as well.
I am very pleased with this antenna.
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K6PLM
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Rating: 5/5
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Dec 27, 2007 09:43
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Very Happy
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Time owned: 6 to 12 months
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I bought the VT-27 as a temporary antenna until I could come up with a more permanent setup as I have no antenna restrictions at my QTH. After a year I have found my permanent setup, and it's the VT-27.
SWR is at or below the advertised number's and I can hit every repeater in my area. I am very happy with it.
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K5JAX
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Rating: 5/5
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Dec 7, 2007 17:57
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Great customer service
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I bought a VT-14 2 meter antenna from a friends estate. I found a problem with it and contacted the manufacturer. They answered my email about some strange readings I found with the antenna. I told them it definitely had a problem and they confirmed it. They replied that they would replace/repair it if I sent it in to them. They fixed it and emailed me about what they found and said it was on it's way back. Great people to buy from.
I am anxious to get back and install it.
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KPAX1
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Rating: 5/5
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May 10, 2007 12:37
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Great item!!!
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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This antenna seems to work well in areas where CCR rules are enforced. I saw this item on the net and thought, "hey I could make one of those."
$84.00 for a piece of ABS pipe?
I went to Home Depot and purchased a 4 ft. length
of 2" ABS and mounted a $10.00 100W Moldor 144/440 mag mount antenna purchased on eBay inside using 2 zip ties. (Had to drill a couple a of holes in the $2 ABS pipe)I then slipped it over an existing vent on top of my 2 story. Fit great. Ran the cable to my radio and was surprised at the performance. Good idea but can be home brewed for about $15 if you already have a lenght of cable.
These boys have a great idea here if you want to spend the money.
73'
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K6BLA
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Rating: 5/5
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Aug 29, 2005 16:47
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Great antennas.. or is it "antennae"?
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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The Ventenna is a clever idea that works well! I have a 2m/440 copper j-pole, but these units seem to outperform it.
I have several of them on my house for various bands and one scanner. It takes longer to get up and down the ladder than it does to install the unit over a vent pipe. My only problem is not having enough real vents to put them over.
Couple years ago, a friend was helping me install three Ventenna units. He was on the roof, I was on the ladder. My neighbor could see us over the fence, and asked "Hi, what are you guys doing?" My friend thought fast and said, "We're, uh, extending the piping on his exhaust vents!" "Oh.. well, they look good!"
I'm in a restricted neighborhood, and my neighbor was on the enforcement committee of our association. (c8=
Scott K6BLA
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KC2OJN
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Rating: 5/5
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Aug 29, 2005 08:53
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Fantastic Antenna!
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I purchased my dual band (VT-27)VHF/UHF Ventenna in July since I live in a restricted community. I was concerned about installation, but it
was a breeze. This antenna is fantastic! I am getting reports of full quieting on most repeaters in my area around Philly. I am
hearing repeaters that I could not receive in the past. I would recommend the Ventenna to anyone living in an antenna-restricted
community, or who want to keep a low profile, antenna wise.
Come on Ventenna guys.... we need you to work on one that will do HF and still be "invisible" on our rooftops! You can do it!
Many thanks for a great product. If our USA government agencies use it, I am proud to also have it on my rooftop!
Harry
Harry / KC2OJN
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KI4FRU
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Rating: 5/5
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Aug 8, 2004 17:24
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Great small antenna
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I purchased a Ventenna because I live in a development that does not allow outside antennas.
I purchased the 2 meter/440 MHz dual band model. It is about 36 inches long, and is made of 2 inch black colored PVC pipe. This gives it an outside diameter of 2 1/2 inches.
There is a short (about 18-24 inch) pigtail of RG-58 coax cable no connector on it coming from the side of the Ventenna near the bottom. I connected a BNC connector to that, and ran it to the transceiver.
The Ventenna performs very well, it requires no tuning or cutting. I have been able to hit repeaters ~25 miles away using the .5 watt setting . I have the antenna about 25 feet in the air, right on top of the roof. No one has complained about any interference, along with the neighborhood "watchers" have not said anything about an antenna being there
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N6SEX
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Rating: 5/5
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Apr 4, 2003 18:06
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Great antenna, great application
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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Without question, this is the funnest antenna I have ever owned. Performance on it is more than adequate, but, what really makes it great are the applications that it can be used for. I got my first Ventenna for a portable uhf repeater with 2m remote base. Both uhf & vhf going through the ventenna! I was initially interseted in the Ventenna because of the size and durability which was well suited for portable operation. However I was really sold on the product after corresponding with their tech support. What knowledgable good-natured common-sense service. It can't be beat. Only problem I've encountered is now I need another Ventenna for my parent's house due to CCR. Please be warned: This product is addicting!!! Don't make the mistake that I made ..buy at least two, one is only half the fun.
..John N6SEX
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