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| Reviews Summary for ZeroFive Antennas Multiband Vertical |
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Reviews: 71
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Average rating: 4.9/5
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MSRP: $469.00
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Description: A Multiband vertical for 10 to 160m,41 foot tall feed with your coax or ladder line,For use with a tuner,Made from 6063 t832 AL tubing,Requires radials,5kw cw,10kw ssb pwr handling,Freestanding,Comes with base insulator and tube.
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More info: http://www.zerofive-antennas.com
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write your own review of the ZeroFive Antennas Multiband Vertical.
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N3EAQ
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Rating: 2/5
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Jun 13, 2009 18:30
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It's pretty much a bust under 20 or 40 meters
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Time owned: 6 to 12 months
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I bought and built the 0-5 43' all band vertical a couple of years ago, and finished the construction last fall. It's NOT an antenna that impresses me!
You can see all the details of my construction at www.n3eaq.net ... It's fine on 20 meters, It blows everywhere below, compared to my Alpha-Delta DX-LB+, and my 160m V-Beam is even better!
I can only guess that all the RAVE comments come from folks who have limited space, or have never used another HF antenna!
It has been cunstructed at my QTH at WELL better than most folk's specs, and Still, nothing that makes me excited!
I use it on 20m and up, and it works fine there, but was NOT worth all the $$$ and time I put into it!
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KC9GXC
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Rating: 5/5
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Jun 1, 2009 10:36
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Log Book Say's It All
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I have had the Zero-Five for over two years and have used numerous rigs with this antenna. I have had no problems working 90% of the stations I hear. I work both SSB and digital modes and have worked lots of DX with 100w, I don't run an amp. I have a minimal radial system. According to all the info about radials the antenna should not radiate, but it does.
The Zero- Five works for me and my log book proves it. That is all the proof I need.
Randy
W9RTB
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N1SQJ
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Rating: 3/5
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May 31, 2009 10:41
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A 40m Vertical
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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All these 5's.., and I have to be the descending voice... I've had it for 2 years and my conclusion is, that it is an outstanding 40m vertical. It can be made to work any other band but the reception is disappointing. Case and point: shed mounted cushcraft R-5 vertical 40 feet away outperforms the zero-five on 20,17,15,10. Curiously, the R-5 is even on par with it and sometimes better on 80M(Receive) although the R5 wont transmit on 80. I was told by Tom that adding more ground radials would make no difference in receive, just transmit. I have about 10 radials..planned to add more. I also bypassed the matching balun to see if that was a culprit and it wasn't. All connections good, measuring 43 feet exactly, and connections with light ox-guard as stated in assembly directions. For 80 and 160m, a longwire at only 12 feet off the ground run through some trees gives better reception on those bands. For the good news: I have received excellent TX signal reports on 80m and the swr is pretty decent across the bands easily handled with FT1000 internal tuner. Sometimes stations that I hear in the noisefloor on 80 can hear me fine, and I've never had that situation until this antenna. As for 20M, the signal reports are usually-- say 90 percent better with the R-5 and occasionally slightly better with the zero-five depending on conditions. Perhaps more radials will solve that -- but keep in mind my major gripe is the low receive, and not such a great S/N ratio... and a million more radials wont address that, unless I'm misinformed. As for 10 meters, its no contest. The R-5 wins both rx and tx.
And finally 40m: This is exactly what I believe this antenna to be. A perfect 40 meter vertical. It is the best performing 40M antenna I have ever used! flat swr, and signals flooding through to full scale. World class performance with only a few watts and blows the other antennas away. Unfortunately not so of the other bands. How can I be the only one with these results. Its mounted in a clear spot on a hilltop with 100 ft of lmr 400 and I expected more but have not had the results mentioned here. Before the wind took the G5RV down, it was night and day better (reception) on 80. Never had an A/B to determine tx but know the G5RV always blew the longwire and R5 away for reception on 80 so I can base it on that. If anyone else has or had such reception with theirs I'd like to hear what if anything can be done to improve things.
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K7UA
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Rating: 5/5
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Jan 3, 2009 20:08
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Updated review
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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After my recent review of December 27, Mickey, K5ML, contacted me with some encouragement. I went out in the snow and again reconfigured my balun into an unun and began experiments. I am now experiencing greatly improved DX performance on 80M. I am still feeding the un-un with about 40 ft of buried coax into a Palstar AT2K tuner in the shack. No more 80M tuner arcing problems, even at high power, although the 80M SWR on the coax is high, 14:1, as compared to less than 3:1 on the higher bands. It is tough to measure without a side by side comparision, but I am having MUCH better luck with working DX on 80. I have also found a tuner setting that will allow operation on 160M up to the 500 watt level. The coax SWR on 160M is very high, too high for my digital meter to measure, but I have made some 160M contacts with this configuration. The coax SWR on 160M before the change to the un-un was very low and very broad. A similar situation also occurred on 80M. This broadness was too good to be true on those bands and undoubtedly was because of inefficiency in the system, probably cause by the balun configuration. Even with the higher 80M coax SWR the system is now much more efficient. My thanks to Mickey and to those who figured out this modification. I am well pleased with the antenna. 73, K7UA
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K9WJL
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Rating: 5/5
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Dec 22, 2008 15:46
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Still going strong.
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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This is my second and last review on this Antenna. I've had it about a year now so I feel it's been well seasoned and I've had enough experience with it to give a good review.
I am closing in on DXCC now, with 72 confirmed entities on 20M, and 22 on 40. I've as of tonight, worked all 7 contintents with this antenna. I just broke a big pileup on the third call to KC4AAA at Admunsen-Scott Station located at the South Pole.
In about 12 hours of time over two days, I worked 77 different entities and 21 zones in the CQWW SSB contest.
I've worked everywhere I can think of, at the bottom of the sunspot cycle.
In spite of being designed with the wrong Balun (which worked very well for me anyhow), and In spite of what I consider to be a major mistake in the manual, which recommends that you DONT tie your radials to the coax shield at the radial plate (where then?) and after a lightning strike and major icing these last few days here and thunderstorm winds here that blew down trees in the area, This antenna is still going strong and very worthy of the 5/5 I'm giving it here.
I have a very small lot here, with an XYL who does not want a tower in the back yard, so for multiband operation using a vertical this is a great antenna.
Other than the lightning strike which did almost no damage to the antenna, the only thing I've had to do to it was replace a broken hose clamp that failed while in the air. The funny thing was I probably didn't notice that one of the sections had fully slid down inside the other for a month! I noticed no loss in performance.
The facts are the facts though, Know in advance that the antenna isn't resonant on any ham band according to my AIM 4170B. Know in advance that you need to feed it with Excellent Coax, and Know in advance that you need alot of wire for your radial field, (I run 2500' of radials over a 180 degree pattern next to my lotline)Use a radial plate, and tie the Coax Shield into it using a bulkhead connector at the plate, and you will make contacts. You will have fun.
It's also worth mentioning that Tom is a guy who will answer your Email on a Sunday, and he really stands behind his products.
No it's not a beam, but its the best comprimize vertical out there IMHO, and the only thing I'd replace it with is the 63 (?) footer.
73
Bill K9WJL
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VA3GVS
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Rating: 5/5
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Dec 21, 2008 18:51
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Don't shoot the messanger
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Time owned: months
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Follow up to my posts here on Eham reviews posted on 14 Dec 08 and on Eham Elmers 08 Dec concerning ZeroFive 43' vertical antenna. After 2 modifications carried out on my ZeroFive antenna, described on previous post, I finally gave a 5/5 for this antenna. Before mods I would have given it a 3 compared to other antennas I had previously used. As I mentioned in review I can't understand all the 5/5's without these mods which I'll note further in post. But now I am completely satisfied and concider it the best vertical available (with modifications).
MY APPOLIGIES TO GOOD INTENTIONED EHAM ELMER AND TOWER TALK CONTRIBUTERS. I made mention in Eham Review that this ZeroFive antenna outperformed the Elmer & Tower Talk expectations and that their computer modules and criticism were wrong for this antenna. Well as Dan (Constant contributer to these forums, whose technical insight I've come to respect) very convincingly pointed out to me, the mods that I carried out to greatly improve the performance of this antenna were ideas born right here on these threads. Much of what was discussed here most likely had an influence on the ZeroFive and Array Solution's updated recommandations to convert 4-1 Balun to Unun and if required, add top loading to improve 80 and 160 meter performance (at the expence of decreased upper band performance 17 thru 10).
So if my Eham review (14 Dec 08) sounded like I was saying -ha ha your wrong Elmer & Tower Talk critics, well I guess I was, since what they said wasn't what I wanted to hear after investing the time and money to set up this Antenna and radial system. I was unwittingly shooting the messanger that had only rightfully stated their reservations towards this antenna concept and had made suggestions to improve it.
But now it rocks. Breaking pileups with 20 over reports on all bands from 20 to 160. Again I know it's still a vertical and never will be a 3 or 4 element beam but where an attractive, inconspicuous neighbourly friendly great performing all band un-guyed antenna with a small footprint is required, the 43' ZeroFive antenna with modifications could be your ticket.
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K1SPY
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Rating: 5/5
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Dec 15, 2008 18:29
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Superb antenna
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Time owned: 3 to 6 months
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I waited until I had some time and experience with this product before I wrote my review.
I researched this antenna for 6 months prior to going to Dayton last year. I met Tom and honestly, I pestered him with all manner of questions about the 43' all-bander. He could not have been more patient and willing to help me learn more. After swapping numerous e-mails with Tom after Dayton, I finally pulled the trigger.
I shouldn't have waited so long to get this monster!
The antenna fabrication and materials: Superb - of the highest quality.
Zero Five customer service: The shipping was prompt and the packing was thorough and careful. Tom's customer service and dedication to the utmost quality should be studied and emulated by ALL businesses. There is a reason all the people here give Zero Five a 5.0/5.0 and it is Tom's upholding of the highest standards of quality and customer service.
My setup: 43' multibander mounted on the temporary foldover mount; I opted for the guy kit (not a bad idea when using the temporary foldover); the recommended Array Systems balun; (32) 50' buried radials; and a 20'x15' near-field ground plane made of poultry netting (chicken wire) bonded together and bonded to the radial lugs. I feed the antenna with 150' of RG-213.
My results: The Zero Five loads up on all bands from 160m-10m. I participate on a nightly 80m net and the outstations report superior signals on the Zero Five. It is particularly happy on 60m (no wonder - do the math) and an absolute laser cannon from 20m on up the bands. It is a DX monster. I get reports of a huge signal from my DX contacts.
I am completely happy with this product and congratulate Tom on his great success story. Some day when I get enough property, I would LOVE to get three more of these and the phasing control system to create a monster foursquare phased vertical system. WOW!
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VA3GVS
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Rating: 5/5
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Dec 14, 2008 21:44
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Sorry Tower Talk nay-sayers but this Vertical Rocks
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Time owned: 3 to 6 months
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I've delayed writing review until making several mods to system that changed my opinion about this antenna. Antenna was installed as per instructions with 60 buried 50 ft radials. My initial impressions would have me giving it a review of 3.0/5. After several emails and calls to Tom N9ZV (great guy and as accommadating as everyone has said), his resulting recommendations drastically improved antenna performance on all lower bands from 20 to 160 meters (this antenna is designated primarily to augment my existing 3el SteppIR to also allow me coverage on 80 and 160 meters on a small antenna restricted lot). It's small footprint and attractive flagpole appearance would fit these requirements if it performed as advertised (my XYL even likes it). WELL NOW I CAN SAY THAT IT DOES.
1st MOD= The addition of a 60ft #14 insulated str. wire (running 30 ft from each side of antenna with 2" of insulation removed from center of wire). This wire is then clamped to antenna, 15 ft up from base, and loosly strung in a slight upward vee to any 2 supports, 30 plus ft away, in a straight line to antenna. This mod has greatly improved both bandwidth and performance on 80 and 160 meters at the expence of slight decrease in performance from 17 meters on up.
2nd MOD= Other recommendation was to convert the AS-200-T from a Balun to an Unun. This mod has given me a 5 S unit increase on 80 and 160. (Jay from Array Solutions or Tom from ZeroFive can give you balun to unun conversion details thru PDF.
Many very knowledgable eham Tower Talk and Elmer contributers have knocked the 43 ft Vertical antenna concept. It doesn't fit into their computer moduling programs so if the program says it can't work efficiently than it must be all smoke and mirrors. Well I've used many types of antennas from long wires to beams and though no one claims that it will rival a beam, the smoke and mirrors that this ZeroFive antenna puts out seems to fool all the numerous local and DX contacts I make. 20 over 9 signal reports with nearly every contact made recently from 20 thru 160 meters.
Not sure how it rated all 5/5 reviews up to this point without these mods but for me, it now certainly does what I intended it for and I'll highly recommend it (smoke and mirrors included).
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N9CC
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Rating: 5/5
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Dec 14, 2008 16:37
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Awsome 66ft Low Band Vertical
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I just added the new 66 foot Vertical from Zerofive antennas to my station. I use this vertical for 40/80 meters , I still have my 43 ft and use it on the higher bands. The 66 footer is the new Extreem Series that Tom custom built for me. OH and it is Freestanding.No guys needed. It is feed with a 4 to 1 UNUN at the base trough 80feet of LMR 600 Ultraflex. All I can say is this Vertical plays great on the low bands.The build is massive as well as the craftmanship .All needed for long haul DX .I will continue to buy products from this company because of the craftmenship and massive construction of everything Tom makes.Thank's Tom for another fine work of art. If you like to see the instalation pictures of the 66 footer please E-Mail me. Remember you allways get what you pay for . Only the best will do for me ,We only live once .
Tnx De Gus N9CC
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W5WSF
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Rating: 5/5
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Nov 28, 2008 08:08
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Excellent
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Time owned: 3 to 6 months
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BACKGROUND AND INSTALLATION:
The ground conductivity at my NC QTH is extremely poor to the extent that I could never get satisfactory results from my GAP Titan which I had used for 8 years in New Orleans without problems at that QTH (high ground conductivity).
A local ham told me about ZeroFive verticals.
I purchased the 43 foot version and installed 32 radials with each being 44' in length. Performance easily exceeded the Titan; however I wanted even better performance at the lower frequencies (80 and 160).
Tom fabricated a modification for me changing the vertical length to 69 feet, and I changed the radials to 64 in number and lengthened each radial to 75 feet (all radials are #8 soft drawn solid copper).
I also installed a 4:1 tuner balun at the base of the vertical and then added an MFJ927 remote auto-tuner mounted about three feet from the antenna base.
The antenna is about 120 feet from my shack. The coax run (RG213) is about 140 feet.
A 69 foot vertical is a very large antenna to "walk up" to its vertical position. I do it with the assistance of a friend. Also, because of the change in length from 43 feet to 69 feet Tom recommended that I guy the antenna at approximately 11 feet and at 22 feet which I have done. Those guys are absolutely necessary.
REVIEW / PERFORMANCE:
I run 100W and operate CW exclusively. I have an LP-100 digital vector wattmeter about five feet antenna side of my rig. I can see the MFG auto-tuner reduce the SWR to below 2:1 on all bands including 160; however on 160 the tuner is apparently stretching itself (takes about 30 seconds to find the match) so on that band I reduce power to 50 watts.
The construction of the antenna is superb. Tom's support whenever I have had questions has been superb. The antenna tunes under 2:1 160 thru 10. I have so far used the antenna 17m to 160m (have so far not caught openings above 17m). I would say that 60% to 70% of the time my vertical "well" outperforms my G5RV (50' high, 102' fed with 300ohm ladder line to another 4:1 tuner balun mounted on another MFJ927 out in the woods and then another 140' RG213 coax run to another LP100 and to the rig) as I can switch instantly back and forth between both antennas and see the difference.
Verticals require a good radial system; if you can install the radials you will be highly pleased with this antenna..
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