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| Reviews Summary for Jetstream JTB2 2M/440 Base Vertical |
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Reviews: 14
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Average rating: 4.6/5
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MSRP: $55
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Description: Fiberglass radome, covers 144-148Mhz/440-450Mhz, height 100", gain 6 db on 2M/8 db on 440, handles 200W, 90MPH wind rating
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More info: http://www.jetstream-usa.com
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write your own review of the Jetstream JTB2 2M/440 Base Vertical.
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W5GSR
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Rating: 5/5
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Jun 8, 2009 14:58
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Great antenna
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Time owned: 6 to 12 months
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I liked this antenna so much I got another one and put it up @ 40 feet on the tower I can hit repeaters 60 miles away,now of course I don't know how tall the repeater tower is,but the jtb2 is doing a super job for me.The swr is flat at 145 mhz and 146 mhz @ 50 watts.And for those that care the swr is 1.5 on 462 mhz of course on a Icom Ic-f221 @ 20 watts.
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RFSOAKED
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Rating: 5/5
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Oct 29, 2008 13:34
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Awesome Bang for the Buck!!
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I bought mine from R&L for $59.95, the comparable Diamond X200A runs roughly $140! $80 in savings was worth the try. I already own a JTB3 so i figured i would give the 2 a shot. Although i haven't had it long i wanted to review it, i also have their JTB3 model and that one has been in the air for more than two years now.
They changed the model name slightly, its now a JTB2B, i assume the trailing B is its revision, though i could not see what they changed externally. One of the previous reviews mentioned the internal connections being crimped, on mine they are soldered, so perhaps that was the manufacturing change?? I took it apart to verify the previous post just in case, easier to fix now before it goes up the tower, but mine is in fine shape.
Though the Jetstream website says its a one piece its actually a two piece, just like the Diamond X200A. I also have a similar knockoff on my other tower, its a Workman UVS-200, same construction and specs, but since it costs about the same now as the Jetstream i would go with the JTB2B. Not that i had major problems with the UVS-200 but its parts are slightly less in the quality department. Some differences, the mounting tube is thinner wall, the fit and finish of the parts isn't exactly up to the par of the Jetstream.
Both Diamond and Workman need to take a clue from Jetstream here. First of all, Jetstream has a NICE SOLID fit from the antenna base to the mounting tube, when you tighten the bolt it doesn't wobble or slop around. I think this is due to the slightly thicker walled aluminum tube they use. The Workman and Diamond models i have had to cut slots on the top end of the tube and put a hose clamp around it to keep it solid. Not a big deal but seems like a simple fix to use a better fitting piece of tubing.
The Jetstream also seems to be slightly thicker fiberglass compared to the other two brands, side by side its not that big of a difference, but its there. The O-Ring seal at the middle joint seems to be better overall also. Hint: If you buy a Diamond or Workman go down to your hardware store and buy a thicker O-Ring, the one they include doesn't seem to make a real good weathertight seal. Otherwise apply silicone or another method of sealing to that joint!
Another minor detail, the other brands use a radial that is threaded with a jam nut to keep it tight. The Jetstream has a stainless steel ferrule on the end of the aluminum rod. They don't include lockwashers for them though, about the only improvement i could suggest. I bought three stainless steel lockwashers of the appropriate size to add to it. Just a little extra protection, they are going to vibrate in the wind like crazy here in the midwest.
As mentioned the instructions are lacking on most of these bargain antenna's but most of us considering buying one should know better to check and recheck everything. Though we all have our days. Make sure the allen head set screw opposite the bolt that mounts the base to the mounting tube is tight, and make sure you tighten the screw well that holds the radiator together at the center joint. Also, when joining the two halves a little bit of clear silicone sealant around the top of the nut is a good safety measure against water intrusion. This is not just the Jetstream, all antenna's of this type can benefit from a bit of silicone here.
Save some money, but the Jetstream! A good durable antenna that although its average in construction it excels in the small details. Why pay more??? Unless you like the brand name sticker on the Diamond put that money towards your station accessories, coax, you name it.
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KI4UGK
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Rating: 4/5
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Jul 21, 2008 09:03
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Great for the Buck
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Time owned: 3 to 6 months
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I bought mine to replace my old reliable copper j pole. I had used a DBR222 but just wasnt satisfied with its perfromance. I typically talk to friends on repeaters 60-70 miles away but always have to use high power (60 watts). Now I only use 25 watts!. For the price you can not go wrong. But be aware of the installation process...make SURE BOTH set screws are tight. The instructions do not mention this.
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N1RIK
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Rating: 4/5
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Mar 26, 2008 20:43
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Good Antenna
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Time owned: 6 to 12 months
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I've had this antenna up for about 6 months now. For 59.99 you can't go wrong. I rather pay this for a knockoff than full price for a Diamond. SWR was very low from 430-450 MHz, flat from 440 - 443 and it never rose above 1.3:1 on 70cm. On 2m, the SWR is a bit high towards the bottom of the 2m suband and about 1.7:1 @ 144.5 MHz. The antenna construction is not quite as good as my Tram 1480 which I use for my 440 repeater, however it works just as well. That's why I give it a 4 instead of a 5. For $60 new, I highly recommend it.
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W5GSR
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Rating: 5/5
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Mar 22, 2008 21:03
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Great antenna so far
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I just put this antenna up on my 440 repeater at the house and it works great with no problems.The swr is 1.2 @ 440.475,and covers about 25 miles (mobile)
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KC0FRV
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Rating: 4/5
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Nov 24, 2007 02:11
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Update
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Time owned: 3 to 6 months
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JTB2 update. I called Jetsteam about the antenna problem, they had never heard of this problem before, and said I could return it for another one. Not desiring to repeat the possible defect discovery process again, I decided I would try and fix the antenna first (if it could be done easily).
Disassembly. The antenna came apart fairly easily. There is a setscrew at the base of the antenna that holds the entire "guts" of the antenna into the radome. The antenna consisted of 3 - 2 meter 1/4 wave elements, 1 - 440 MHz 1/4 wave element, 2 folded 2 meter 1/4 wave stubs, 1 folded 3/4 wave 2 meter stub, with a tuned resonator at the base. I saw nothing obvious wrong but, made a few modifications to increase reliability, namely electrical connections. The elements are 1/8" diameter brass rod stock, whereas the folded stubs are copper wire. The connection between the two was a simple crimp. I soldered all the crimped joints and reassembled the antenna. Performing a ground test, it appeared the antenna was now working, however was tuned 1 MHz high in frequency. To lower the frequency, I compressed the windings on the resonator coil. Another ground test revealed the antenna was now correctly tuned however, reflected power performance was not that impressive: 2.5:1 at band edges, 1.5:1 at the band center. This was marginally sufficient for my purposes, the transmitter would not see this much mismatch due to the transmission line length, so I reinstalled the antenna.
Results: Favorable. With the antenna mounted at 40 feet above the ground, I am able to hit repeaters as much as 70 - 80 miles away with 45W out of the transmitter.
Assembly tips (important stuff the instructions don't mention). 1. When joining the two antenna sections, the two brass elements must be joined together via the coupling collar and you must tighten the setscrew, ensuring the setscrew is contacting the upper element, which was slipped into the collar. 2. The setscrew at the base of the antenna that holds the "guts" into the ferrule where the three ground radials are mounted, MUST be tight. I believe this was the culprit with my failure. During my first install attempt, when cinching the PL259 connector down, the "gut" turned slightly in the ferrule. At the time, I did not believe it was that important but, this exercise proved that it is. Apparently, this antenna heavily relies upon a counterpoise.
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W9THD
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Rating: 5/5
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Apr 3, 2007 16:54
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No complaints!
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Time owned: 6 to 12 months
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I've had mine up for almost a year now without any issues. Like others have said, a great value for the $$.
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W0ACE
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Rating: 5/5
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Apr 3, 2007 11:22
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EXCELLENT VALUE!
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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Just a rebranded Diamond X-200, for less than HALF the cost. Works GREAT! SWR perfect out of the bag, checked with my MFJ-259. At 30' above the ground I can work repeaters 60 miles away, and do every week checking into the net. I have a strong full quieting signal into the repeater with 50 watts. I also use it on simplex and get very good results. I have had mine up for about 2 months now. I DID SEAL the joint with some silicone to help keep water out. High quality, perfect fit of the parts. I LOVE IT! Can't beat it.
THANK YOU R AND L!! www.randl.com
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VE7WCP
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Rating: 5/5
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Mar 31, 2007 11:47
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Great Antenna!
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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Replaced the Cushcraft 2 band vertical. Very happy with quality and the VSWR is flat. E-mail support is good if you have any after purchase concerns.
This antenna is a keeper!
73, Marc VE7WCP
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WB3IGR
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Rating: 2/5
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Jan 13, 2007 13:15
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OK ANTENNA
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I BOUGHT MY JTB2 FROM R&L IN OHIO. THE COST WAS WITHIN MY PRICE RANGE. I PUT THE ANTENNA TOGETHER THE WAY THE INSTRUCTIONS SAID (RATHER VAGUE). PUT UP THE ANTENNA, AND HAD A 3 TO 1 SWR ON 2 METERS. THIS CAN'T BE RIGHT. SO I WENT UP AND BROUGHT IT DOWN, TESTED IT ON A TRIPOD IN THE BACK YARD. STILL 3 TO 1. FINALLY I TOOK THE ANTENNA APART AND FOUND THAT WHERE THE COAX FEEDS THE CENTER (INSIDE THE RADOME)WAS NOT CONNECTED. WELL AFTER FIXING THE ANTENNA AND TESTING AGAIN, IT WORKS JUST FINE NOW. FOR THE MONEY $59.95 IT'S A GOOD ANTENNA BUT CHECK TO MAKE SURE THAT IS WORKS BEFORE YOU GO UP YOUR TOWER!!
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