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| Reviews Summary for TransWorld Antennas TW2010 Traveler HF Portable Vertical Antenna |
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Reviews: 37
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Average rating: 5.0/5
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MSRP: $399
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Description: The TW2010 Traveler® is the perfect antenna if you are searching for high performance DX communications in a portable package.
Traveler® provides five-band, omni-directional communications in an easy-to-assemble package that requires no radial ground system or towers and is designed for operators requiring stealth performance.
The black powder coating assures stealth performance for Hams who operate in areas with deed restrictions or other areas prohibiting permanently installed antennas and towers.
A low take-off angle — an outcome of the modified-H design — produces maximum skip for successful DX transmissions and contact.
Traveler® can be assembled in minutes for either permanent installation on a mounting rod or temporary setup using a sturdy, optional quadrapod.
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More info: http://www.transworldantennas.com
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write your own review of the TransWorld Antennas TW2010 Traveler HF Portable Vertical Antenna.
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AB0TX
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Rating: 5/5
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Sep 14, 2009 19:46
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Easy set up.
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I am going to give this antenna a 5 for ease of set up. Not exactly happy with the transaction.
Fit and finish are good. It is a little big for a back pack antenna. The price stated above is a little misleading. I paid $596.00 for mine when you add in the quad pod stand and the carrying bag. It is a bit pricey. You can buy the 40 meter center section and 75/80 center section and pretty much have and new antenna for that band as all monobaders in the TW line use the same base antenna dimensions. I thought that was a nice feature. The quad pod does not fit in the carrying bag (which still hasn't arrived). I don't think is was designed to fit in the carrying bag, but it was recommened as a more stable stand. It does however support the antenna nicely. Not sure why some are using a tuner with this antenna since the onboard coils do the tuning at the antenna. The tuner shouldn't even be needed. I ordered mine the day after Field Day (JUNE 28th) this year because I wanted a good field portable antenna that I could set up and take down fast. I was told it was on back order due to them having a supplier problems. I called them in the middle of August and asked where the antenna was in reguards to shipping. They could not give me a deffinate date as to when the antenna would ship. I told them I wanted to cancel the order. A week later I called them back again since my bank account was not credited and again told them that I wanted to cancel the order. I really wanted the antenna but I was tired of waiting. They seemed to come up with one at the last minute and they shipped it. I have set it up and did initial tune up and worked Canada and Ukraine on 100 watts CW. That is the only use I have used of it so far. I keep this antenna in the trunk of the car and plan on using it more for JOTA and Field Day. I will add to the review after more use. I am pleased with its performance but they need to get their business practices in order. They seem very unorganized. I would give their handling of the transaction a 3. Still waiting on the carrying bag to arrive. Those were on backorder to.
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KA8VMA
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Rating: 5/5
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Jul 13, 2009 15:26
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Excellent value, great performance
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I received my TW2010 in Mid June, just before Field Day 2009. The antenna, portable case and quadrapod stand all arrived in great shape in several well designed boxes. When I opened the boxes, I immediately noticed that the components were well constructed and had an industrial type finish on them.
I read through the assembly instructions and read the 2 articles (ARRL & Gordon West) on their web site making special note of using RG-8X cable off of the center feed and the 45 degree angle needed to keep the antenna in good SWR range.
I quickly set the unit up in my backyard, and yes it does set up in less than 5 minutes! I then ran my cables into the house and connected them to my Flex-3000 rig and the TW2010 controller.
I cycled through the band selector on the controller and the Flex-3000. Holding my breath, I clicked the automatic antenna tuner button and listened to the radio do its click click click tuning routine. After the clicking was done, the button turned green (meaning its well within SWR tolerance). I ran the same test on all of the antenna supported bands (10, 12, 15, 17 and 20 meters)
I reset the controller for 20 meters and I starting hearing signals all over the place! Europe was just as clear as Florida. I really wasn't expecting great performance from the antenna, but I was really surprised just how good it really was. And it's a true portable with great capabilities, I was really happy with the unit.
On Field Day 2009, I took my Flex, computer and the antenna over to the park with my radio club (W8DYY - Miamisburg, OH) and setup using generator power. Most of the club gathered around the antenna in more-or-less amazement and in 5 minutes it was set up and ready to play. We decided early on that I'd be doing digital, so I chose Ham Radio Deluxe/DM780 as the software of choice and the N3FJP logging software. After getting my system logged into the network, zero hour approached quickly.
The antenna performed spectacularly for the 12hours I operated!
3 days later I took the rig and antenna up to East Harbor State Park, Ohio up on the shores of Lake Erie with our 5th wheel. I set the antenna up away from the trailer and my tripod ground mount satellite dish. Then a funny thing happened. 10, 12, 15, and 17 meters all loaded up perfectly, but 20 meters wouldn’t load not matter what I did. Bizarre I thought. Hmmm, did I damage it when I tore it down? Long story short, I had placed the TW2010 antenna a bit too close to the satellite stand and it was trying to couple to TW2010. I moved the TW2010 a few more feet away then worked perfectly on 20 meters. Lesson learned.
I worked a lot of European stations and I left the Flex on when we went out for a bite to eat. When I came back, the DM780 World Map was displaying that it heard 3 different stations in Antarctica! Amazing!
Overall, I rated it as a 5 only because I couldn’t give it higher numbers. The antenna is well constructed and a great performer! I’m now considering buying the 40 meter add-on.
V/R
Joe G
KA8VMA
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G1FXE
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Rating: 5/5
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Mar 15, 2009 12:28
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Excellent Quality, No complaints
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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Having read the excellent reviews on this site for the TW2010 I took a flyer and ordered one from ebay user 'econogenesys'. Was I disapointed ? Oh no ! Everything I had read, top quality construction, fit & finish, even the packaging was exactly as described.
Best of all by ordering via Ebay I saved circa £200 over the UK retail price (even after paying Customs charges etc.).
I haven't used the aerial a great deal on transmit yet as my primary reason for purchasing was portable operation & the weather is only just getting nice enough for field work, but hastily setup in the garden it sure does receive well. I'll add to this review when I've given it a good going over on transmit.
One tip, I didn't order the Quadrapod (or whatever its called) as with shipping/charges etc. it was too expensive in my opinion, but a Patio Umbrella stand filled with a little sand does the job of supporting the aerial extremely well and all for the princely sum of about £8 !
Cheers all.
Peter.....
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N7DCR
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Rating: 5/5
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Mar 9, 2009 17:06
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TOP DX PERFORMER
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Time owned: 6 to 12 months
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Previously posted with former callsign WB6TPF,I wanted to give this great antenna it's proper respect due.Working the CQWW DX Contest Oct.25-26/08.DX countries worked:Mexico,Turk&Caicos Is.Honduras,Bonaire,Jamaica,Hawaii,Barbados,Belize,Canada,and numerous states in country.Worked the ARRL WW DX Contest on Mar.7-8/09.DX Coutries worked:Neth.Antilles,Mexico,Hawaii,Aruba,Puerto Rico,Dominican Republic,Guadeloupe,Martinique,Virgin Islands,Anguilla,Japan,Alaska,Jamaica,Nicaragua,Argentina,Chile,Costa Rica,Brazil,Croatia,Slovenia,Bosnia,Guatemala,St.Vincent,St.Kitts.Senegal,Azores.All this with about 75-80 watts output.This antenna never ceases to amaze me!..This is absolutely the best performing portable I have used in my 31 years of amateur radio.My log tells me all I need to know about the performance of this antenna.73&Good DX.N7DCR.
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N3GTO
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Rating: 5/5
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Dec 30, 2008 18:12
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Easy... Awesome...
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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awe-some
Pronunciation [aw-suhm]
–adjective
1. inspiring awe: an awesome antenna.
2. showing or characterized by awe.
3. Slang. very impressive: That new Transworld TW2010 antenna is totally awesome.
My setup at home doesn't allow me to hang any wire over about 20' high, and my two Dobermans make radials for a vertical a little tough to keep in the ground. I did a lot of reading and discovered the TW2010. I bought it based on eHam ratings, planning on using it as a permanent installation. After seeing how easy it was to deploy, I will also use it as portable. The antenna was packaged very well, as described in prior posts. All pieces are of very high quality, from the fit and finish of the antenna itself, to the antenna mounted box housing the coils and relays, to the control cable and connectors, to the controller box. Simple to assemble, it only goes together one way. No tools needed. I didn't need to tune it, as swr was 1.5:1 or less on all bands, ground mounted where my HyGain vertical was. Had the TW2010 set up, plugged in and working within about 5 minutes. I know it's not going to perform like a 10-20m beam, but I am very satisfied with it, and would recommend it to others. Now I am hoping for a TW8040.
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KG7IW
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Rating: 5/5
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Dec 26, 2008 12:12
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Outstanding service!
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I read all the reviews and loved the fact that the TW2010 needed no radials (I have a small yard), was small in size (I have HOA issues) yet very well built in the US (a real plus), and seemed to perform well (it does). Very hard to do in a small, easy to set up package!
So I really can't add much to what everyone has already said on the antenna and its performance. I CAN add to the fact that TW Antennas has outstanding service. I ordered the antenna from a retailer--and it came with several of the butterfly screws missing, the box was somewhat battered and the antenna looked as if it had been slightly used. I called TW Antennas, and they offered to send me a new antenna, no questions asked!! I took them up on their offer and am now enjoying great operating from a location that I thought I would not be able to work HF from. So, I only have praise for TW Antennas--a great product, from a great company! You won't go wrong here.
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KA6GEM
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Rating: 5/5
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Dec 11, 2008 16:14
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This is the BEST portable antenna available - period!
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Time owned: 6 to 12 months
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In my opinion the model 2010 from TW Antennas performs very well and its build quality is excellent. I have been using one for six months in a variety of locations and I really believe that this is one of the best portable HF antennas available.
I have discovered that the three rules of real estate also apply to DX… location, location, location. Where you locate your transceiver makes a huge difference! Reception at my home QTH is marginal but when I park near the San Francisco Bay and set up the TW-2010 close to the water, signals from throughout the US, Asia and Australia come pounding in. It’s a hoot! Today I heard BX5AA from Taiwan so clearly I thought he was parked next to me!
My Yaesu FT-897D was made for portable operation but up until now, I haven’t found a really suitable multi-band HF antenna. Most require careful assembly, tuning and re-tuning… too much time is spent on the antenna. As far as going portable, the TW 2010 is really in a class by itself. It goes up in about 5 minutes and there is no tuning or fussing. It’s truly “plug and play.” It’s as easy to set up as a beach umbrella! The SWR is indeed 1:1 on 20, 17, 15, 12 and 10. Signal reports are excellent. Although heavier, I like it better than my Buddipole, much better. Did I mention no tuning? And there are no threaded parts that might be damaged if accidentally dropped.
It’s important to keep both the coax and control cables away from the antenna so I use two “Cord-Wiz” reels (www.stringliner.com) and unravel cable from both ends. The weight of the reels lying on the ground several feet from the antenna is sufficient to hold the cables away so that they don’t cause an SWR problem.
Operation is push-button simple. A controller cable connects the antenna to a small 12 volt controller box… just push a button and an LED tells you what band is active. I love it!
If you enjoy driving to an ideal spot to chase DX, then this is the antenna to take with you! It’s as portable as a set of golf clubs and far less frustrating!
73,
Paul, KA6GEM
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W8KQE
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Rating: 5/5
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Oct 27, 2008 21:52
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The best 'stealth' antenna out there! Incredible!
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I finally got my hands on one of these amazing antennas a few days ago, and was waiting for the CQWW SSB contest to see how it performed. Assembly took less than 15 minutes, and I placed the antenna on my backyard patio about 20 feet away from the house. I've been a Ham since 1977, and i've got to tell you, this antenna is a winner to say the least! I consistently got through to nearly all the stations I called on 20 and 15 meters running 100w from an FT-450AT! I managed to work 31 countries in just a few hours of casual contesting, at the bottom of the sunspot cycle no less! Received signal strengths were on par with my GAP vertical (not bad!). As long as the coax feed was kept at more or less a right angle to the antenna, SWR was low (1.5 to 1 and under). If you are living in an 'antenna challenged' development, or looking for an excellent performing portable HF solution, this antenna is without a doubt your answer (if anyone from the 'antenna police' asks, just tell them you're using it to receive HDTV). Easily one of the best conceived of and executed 'smaller footprint' HF antennas EVER!
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K5WMH
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Rating: 5/5
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Oct 27, 2008 16:34
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Sweet portable antenna
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Time owned: 3 to 6 months
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First thing is I’m giving this review on this antenna for what it is and it’s the best portable antenna I have used, bar none! I have had the antenna for over three months and didn’t won’t to give a review until I put it to the test. This last weekend was the CQ WW contest and a great way to see how it performs. All I can say is WHAT an antenna!!! I have it mounted on my 5th wheel trailer, attached to the ladder using some hose clamps, so the bottom of the antenna is about 12 feet off the ground..
After the contest some of the stats, I worked 33 different Country’s in 17 Zones on 20m and 11 different Country’s in 6 Zones on 15m. No propagation on 10m. As a note, I did not put that much time working this contest. When working some of the DX stations it did take sometime and effort to get past the pileups and I was not able to work all that I heard, but I was hearing them! Something to be said about that in it’s self! (Can’t work them if you can’t hear them) Granted it’s not a beam, I am however very pleased on how the antenna played!
I can’t add anything more about its construction, quality and how easy the setup is, that hasn’t been said already.
In conclusion I highly recommend this antenna, so much so I’m getting the 4040 center section and asked about the up and coming 8080. So if you need a portable antenna or something with stealth that performs, get this antenna! It’s SWEET!!!!
73 Mark
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AB0JM
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Rating: 5/5
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Oct 26, 2008 17:09
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Excellent Value and Performance
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I received the TW 2010 via USPS Priority mail at my 2nd QTH in Hawaii. It was packaged and protected flawlessly. Upon opening the boxes I saw high quality of materials, workmanship, and design. It was impressive at first sight.
I was able to assemble it on the beach (KH6) in less than 15 minutes the first time I put it up. On all bands the SWR was less than 1.3 for voice (factory calibration). I decided to use it for digital modes, so I had to adjust the coils to a lower frequency resonance point. That effort took me less than 5 minutes.
Then I decided to use 20 meters in PSK-31 for my initial trial run from grid BK29. In less than 4 hours I was able to contact 5 continents operating by battery on the beach. I was getting 559 through 599 reports! If I could hear them I could work them! I contacted V7, UA, VK4, VK2, JA1, W7, W3, W2, W4, LU2, and RA stations! I almost had WAC 20M Digital, but my batteries ran down. I will get Africa tomorrow I am sure.
This antenna is great. It is easy to set up, and adjustment is very simple. The instruction manual is very detailed and carefully prepared.
This is an impressive product. You need to consider this antenna for mobile DX activities. It is lightweight, easy to pack and carry in its heavy duty bag.
I am glad I made the purchase.
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