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| Reviews Summary for TAK-tenna |
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Reviews: 93
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Average rating: 4.7/5
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MSRP: $128
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Description: Electrical Half-wave Dipole Antenna
Rotatable - Portable - Stealth - Primary & Restricted Space
Currently available in 40m, 20m, 10m, and 11m models
Electrical Quarter-wave radiating spiral end elements
Direct feed with 50 ohm coax on resonant band
User selects resonant frequency during tuning process
Can use coax + tuner...or twin lead + tuner
Power tested to 1000 CW watts,
key down for 30 seconds and 1400 Watts PEP
no heat sensed on antenna wire or coax feed point when touched by hand after power testing
NO lossy matching components anyplace in system
10 to 14 dB signal increase in transmit with 90 degree rotation
30 inch boom
Low SWR across band
Sturdy and well built
Weighs only 5 pounds
Uses proprietary #14 gage copper plated alloy wire
Easy assembly - less than 90 minutes
TAK-tenna 40 Multi-Bander also works on 30, 20, 15 and 10 Meters with use of tuner
Tested with Kenwood TS-430 and AT-250 using 50 ohm coax to antenna
Tested with twin lead and other tuner...works fine too
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More info: http://www.tak-tenna.com/
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W7RTL
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Rating: 5/5
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Jun 23, 2009 10:44
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Great for Limited Space and As A Portable
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I needed an antenna that I could erect and take down easily at my HOA location. Also, I wanted an antenna I could take with me on my frequent camping trips. The TAK-tenna seemed to be just what I needed.
After emailing Steve with a couple of questions I placed my order for a More Portable antenna.
I suggest everyone do something they usually don't. Read the instructions. You'll save yourself a lot of time and headaches.
The instructions are easy to follow and I assembled my antenna in about one hour.
Tuning was even quicker.
I attached the antenna to a push up pole that extends to about 20 feet. Then, following Steve's printed instructions had the antenna tuned to 7.2 MHZ in about 15 minutes.
No DX yet, but I was able to work Rhode Island on 40 meters from my Arizona QTH. Signal report was 59 both ways.
I've worked 10, 15 and 20 meters. All do well with good reports, but 40 meters is best.
Support and follow-up from Steve is outstanding. He's right back with answers to your questions.
If you need a quality crafted antenna for limited space and/or portable use consider the TAK-tenna. You wont be disappointed.
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N4NDX
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Rating: 5/5
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Jun 6, 2009 18:07
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Keep up the Coil
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I purchased the 40 meter Tak-Tenna from Steve about a month ago and it works for been a simple and small antenna I have mine on a rotor since is directional and works better that way. I`ve made several contacts in the states on 40m and also 20m, have not yet been able to pick up any thing DXing but have not really tried hard enough. Great reception easy set up and the best part of all is Steve, a great back up for his product is always there when need it, he did for me.
Recommended, it works.
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WB0BBC
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Rating: 5/5
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May 11, 2009 16:15
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It DOES Work!
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Time owned: 3 to 6 months
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I needed a small, stealth-like, easy to erect antenna for 40 meters for a space restricted residence. I read about the TAK-tenna on eHam.net and purchased the standard TAK-tenna 40 meter version. My friend Barry, W0LHK purchased one too and we have had similar results.
The antenna was shipped promptly and arrived within 3 days of the order. The parts are of good quality. Even eye protection goggles are provided for use during assembly.
The assembly instructions are clear and easy to follow. In about 30 minutes the antenna was ready to tune. Extra parts, plenty of copper wire, and a very good mast clamp are included. All you need to add is your 50 ohm coax and a mast.
I mounted the assembled antenna about 12 feet above the South Florida soil and sand. Using the recommended tap positions and an MFJ-259B antenna tuner, I moved the taps twice to find a 1.2:1 minimum SWR at 7.220 MHz. Then I soldered the taps to the copper wire.
After running good 50 ohm coax into the shack, I tuned the Icom IC-718 to 7.220 and heard strong signals immediately. The SWR was 1.5:1, and I enjoyed several 40 meter QSOs with 5x7 exchanges.
I compared signals to another commercial 40 meter off-center fed dipole. The TAK-tenna yielded about 2-S unit lower signal strength on both received and transmitted signals.
Next I tried the antenna on 20,15,10 and 6 meters. The SWR was significantly higher and I emailed Steve with a few questions. Not only did I get a prompt reply on the weekend, I received a telephone call to discuss my concerns. Steve is knowledgeable and professional and offered several good explanations and suggestions. The antenna can be mounted in a horizontal or vertical configuration. A good manual (i.e. not automatic) antenna tuner is recommended for use on bands other than 40 meters.
I wouldn't expect a small antenna to outperform a full-size dipole or yagi, but it DOES WORK! I am pleased to have this antenna for field day and available as a rapidly deployable antenna following a storm or to keep the XYL happy.
For the price, quality and exceptional after-sale service provided by Steve, I give this antenna a 5. If you are new to the hobby or need a simple antenna to get on HF, the TAK-tenna is a fine choice.
I look forward to purchasing and reviewing the 80 meter TAK-tenna soon. I can't put up a full size 80 meter dipole at my QTH, so the TAK-tennna may provide the solution again.
- Paul, WB0BBC
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K1OLD
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Rating: 5/5
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Apr 28, 2009 12:44
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Works as advertised
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I'm completely new to Ham radio...and just wanted a simple antenna to put up that would get me started on HS ...This 40m Multi-bander seemed just the ticket.
I'm not the brightest bulb in the barn but just carefully following the directions...which are well written and understandable...I was able to put the antenna together without a problem.
I got Radio Shacks SWR&Power meter and with a little study time and again following directions and some running back and forth...I was able to resonate the Tak-Tenna at 10' on 7.200m @ 1.1 swr.
It's now at 23' ...fed with 50 give or take feet of "Davis"Bury-Flex 50 ohm coax...into the MFJ 993B Auto tuner I'm using a Yaseu FT-840/100w radio...Samlex switching power supply and either the Heil Pro 5 headset or through the WestMountain
CLR speaker.
I've been on HT about a week now...I've had QSO's with many States....Canada....Europe and I'm still trying to figure out the radio, the lingo etc.
The bottom line from my newbie point of view is...I was able to assemble,setup,mount and raise this antenna without a single problem...I'm having a ball making contacts on 40,20,one on 15 nothing on 10 as of yet...low swr across all the bands.
If you do need help...Steve the owner is always available...excellent cust.service.
One other thing I would mention for the stealth guys....get yourself some"Krylon" paint fusion for plastic. http://www.krylon.com/products/fusion_for_plastic/
and you can paint the whole antenna...paint it camo....light blue..whatever..I painted mine all black including the coils...looks cool...and I'm in hopes it will ease up on the U.V. rays and help in the Maine winter's... with warming and melting .
Link to a couple of pic's
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v165/whipowil/ant2.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v165/whipowil/ant1.jpg
Happy Camper
Dennis.....K1OLD
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VE3IZZ
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Rating: 3/5
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Apr 27, 2009 03:05
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Keep your hard earned money
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Time owned: 3 to 6 months
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it does work but don't compare it to a full size dipole, it can't match that performance.
Keep your hard earned money.
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W9OE
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Rating: 5/5
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Apr 22, 2009 21:09
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Works for me!
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Time owned: 6 to 12 months
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I have used the Tak-40 for about nine months now. I have been able to work all states, Canada, Mexico and several Euro contries including Italy. Keep in mind this all with 100 watts and less. This antenna works for me, and the house does not look like I am attempting to contact E.T. >;-}
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S7MSNAKE
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Rating: 5/5
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Mar 24, 2009 20:07
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QRP with TAK-tenna
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I have had my TAK-tenna up for about 1 1/2 months now. I am using a Heathkit HW-9 and running the smokin' 5 watts into a Heathkit HM-9 QRP wattmeter and follow that with a Heathkit HFT9-A antenna tuner.
When I assembled the antenna I got it to resonate on the 40 mtr band at 7.050 with an SWR of 1.3 without the tuner. I used a Heathkit HD1422-A antenna noise bridge to confirm that result. I put the antenna in the horizontal about 15 feet above the roof of my shop. Probably 25 feet all together. The shop is on a small rise just south of Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Despite my poor code, the reults have been good. I have worked 3 W4's with 5.3's to 4.2 reports in bad conditions. I have 3 stations in the 5 zone with reports from 5.7 to 5.9. A W7 said "You had a great signal till the band collapsed! For QRP you did great." An N5 from Ms. said "Your 'hot water 9' was doing a fine job."
I have switched in my old dipole and there is a minor but distinct loss of received signal strength. Also the TAK-tenna has allowed me to hear stations in Columbia, Paraguay and Mexico that I couldn't hear before probably because of the way my old dipole was arrayed.
The TAK-tenna works well with my QRP rig. And I like the repeatable results.
Gary / KE5ZFZ
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AE6JN
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Rating: 5/5
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Mar 16, 2009 11:47
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Another Happy TAK-TENNA Owner!
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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This antenna went together very easily. There should be no concerns about assembly. I assembled it while watching TV and found the instructions very easy to follow. Tuning/Resonating was also very easy. I just followed the instructions and was able to have it resonant in about 15 minutes using the SWR reading from my transceiver. I was pleased that I was able to acheive a 1.1 SWR on 40m. I now have the antenna mounted vertically at about 35 ft. First two QSO's were New Jersey and Hawaii. Both gave good reports! Using my MFJ-993 Auto Tuner, the TAK tunes to 1.1 on 80m and 1.5 20m. I have not tried any other bands yet, but don't anticipate any problems based on what I've seen so far. You definitely can't beat the price, in my opinion this is a good value for the money.
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KC9NIY
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Rating: 5/5
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Feb 19, 2009 08:59
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7'th month review
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Time owned: 6 to 12 months
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I’ve had the Tak-Tenna 40 now for approximately 7 months. I have used the antenna at various heights from approximately 10’ to 36’ mounted on a monopole mast. Coax run is approximately 65” hooked to a FT-897 with a LDG 897 Tuner. Max power is 100W. The QHT is 312’ ASL in SW Indiana. My property overlooks the Ohio River and Ky. Terrain to the South falls off, rises to the East to Northwest and is gently falling to the SW through West.
Several people have reported good results with the Tak-Tenna mounted vertically a few feet off the ground, hot side up. I tried that for about two weeks without much success. That isn’t to say it won’t work for you, but it didn’t for me.
For my location I have found horizontally mounted at 32’ seems to give the best performance. When I lower the antenna I’ve found that I get better short range performance such as KY, IL, TN and better long and DX performance as I raise it; nothing overly surprising there.
For example when Illinois had their QSO party I lowered the antenna and found I could reliably make 80-400 mile contacts with the antenna at 16 feet. Raised to 32’ I’m normally fairly deaf to stations in Illinois unless they are up in the northern part.
On several occasions when there have been stable band conditions I’ve found cooperative Hams who have worked with me to check directional characteristics of the Tak-Tenna. The procedure was straight forward. Starting with the antenna’s cold side pointing at the remote station I would rotate the antenna through 180 degrees while doing a slow count. The remote station would then report the S readings at various numbers which told me where the antenna was pointed at that time. Not controlled or scientifically valid methodology, but it gave me an idea of what was going on. During the rotation I typically got 1-2 S change although one person reported no change at all. Whether others can reproduce this I don’t know, but those are the reports I received.
I’ve managed to make contacts on every band from 160-6m, but the Tak-Tenna is not suitable as a 160 and I don’t believe it is advertised as such. The antenna works to a fashion on 80 and I’ve made numerous contacts on 80 and several on 60, but the majority of contacts have been on 40-20-17 with a fair number on 30m primarily due to band openings. All were done with a tuner. I have worked CW, SSB, RTTY, PSK and a few SSTV. The majority of contacts have been SSB and PSK.
As far as performance goes I have worked all but 3 states with the Tak-Tenna. I have made SSB contacts with Alaska, Hawaii, both of those in July 2008. I’ve made SSB contact with all the provinces in Canada as well. I’ve also worked all continents. Some of the more interesting contacts have been Australia, New Zealand, Korea, Japan all in the 8-9k mile range with under 100 watts. I’ve also had QSO’s with most of the Caribbean Islands, most of Central America along with Chile, Guatemala, Brazil, Argentina, and Falkland Is. The most recent was the K5D Desecheo Is DX Expedition on 17m SSB.
In the North Atlantic and Europe I have Iceland, Greenland, England, Ireland, Scotland, Norway, Denmark, Austria, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Vatican, Poland, Croatia, Russia and a Belgium QRP station. Going South, I’ve had several contacts with the Canary Islands, Madeira Is and on the other side of Africa, Mauritius Is which is my longest contact at over 10,000 miles. Thanks Alexey.
I’ve read a number of comments from people who criticize the fact that people who give good reviews to the Tak-Tenna do so without side by side comparisons. That’s a fair criticism. However, if I had the room for a multi-band vertical and all the required radials, I’d probably have one. Same for a stacked Yagi on an 80 foot tower and if I didn’t mind repairing, replacing or re-stringing a multi-band dipole every time the wind blew over 40 mph which breaks numerous limbs I might go that route. As it is I’ve managed to make a number of interesting contacts using a very inexpensive antenna without a whole lot of muss and fuss.
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N9RWG
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Rating: 5/5
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Feb 12, 2009 17:28
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A fun antenna that is a real lifesaver for restricted users!
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Time owned: 3 to 6 months
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I live in a second floor apartment in northwest Chicago, and have limited ability to put up an antenna. I tried a MFJ telescopic antenna-tuner, with very poor results, so much so, that I thought that my radio had gone kaput! I mulled over purchasing the Tak-tenna 40 for quite a while, read the reviews and finally gave in (what the heck, right?). When the antenna came, I was able to get it assembled in no time, as the instructions were easy to follow. I tuned the antenna with a Radio Shack SWR meter and nailed it at 7.220, in less time it took to put the thing together. With my landlord watching with a very critical eye, I mounted the antenna horizontally out of a window.
Although there was a noticeable improvement, and I made some good contacts regionally, I was a bit disappointed. I was surprised to get an email from Steve, the maker of the antenna, who asked me how it was working out. He suggested that I try a vertical alignment, and I did. WOW! I had more contacts that I could shake a stick at! Although my wife probably wants Steve's head on a spit (because I am planted at my shack when I am not at work), I am extremely happy.
Prior to my current apartment dwelling days, I put up quite a few antennas, and this was a fun antenna to assemble, mount, tune and (of course) talk on. I'm happy, the landlord is happy, and the wife is not happy (but valentine's day is coming), and I can enjoy playing radio. The customer service was wonderful, and something that is extremely rare these days. This is a great antenna that you absolutely cannot go wrong with.
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