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| Reviews Summary for Scorpion Antennas SA-680S |
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Reviews: 16
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Average rating: 5.0/5
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MSRP: $699
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Description: SA-680S Shorty covers 10 through 80 meters.
Length retracted: 28”, Extended: 36”
3” diameter coil with 14 gage tinned copper wire wound at 10
Threads Per Inch.
Mobile or backyard typical vswr 1.5:1 or less.
Antenna rated at 1500 watts PEP
Weight 13 Lbs
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Product is in production.
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More info: http://www.scorpionantennas.com/antennas.html
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write your own review of the Scorpion Antennas SA-680S.
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KA8DJN
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Rating: 5/5
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Feb 2, 2012 17:21
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Worth the money
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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A great antenna. I purchased the shorty antenna in the black. When it arrived I was overcome by its size, looking at pictures just didn't prepare me for the size of the antenna.
I had several emails and conversations with Ron when I first ordered it trying to get some ideas on how I was going to mount it on my F450. I finally came up with an idea mounting it on the truck bed lip (although after a few weeks I had to redesign the mount for strength).
I finally got it going the way I wanted and must tell you that it worked from day one. I wish I had bought one earlier instead of wasting my money on so called HF mobile antennas. For what I spent over the years trying those so called HF mobile antennas I could have bought two or more of the Scorpions.
Ron was a pleasure to work with and answered a lot of my stupid questions. 40 meters has always been a favorite band for me as well as 20 and now with this antenna its a breeze.
The only thing I added, which I feel would be nice addition from Ron is I added marks on the antenna so that while I was driving I could tune it within a close swr range, visually (I can actually see the antenna in my side mirror). Once within that range the radio would do the rest. I'm running a Kenwood TS480S in my truck.
I could go on and on but I will say that if your serious sbout running HF in the mobile, SCORPION is the way to go. A little planning and a strong mount will go a long way.
Dave
KA8DJN
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KJ4NUN
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Rating: 5/5
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Jan 11, 2012 15:08
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Fantastic Antenna
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Time owned: 6 to 12 months
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I have had this antenna for about 9 months now.
Since day one it has just plain worked and worked very well!! Before this antenna I was using another screwdriver with average reports.After taling with Ron at lenght several times I decided to purchase one with the cap hat and mast.It arrived the packing, well read the instructions on his web site or it will take alot of extra time and effort other wise a tank could run over the thing and not hurt it. I did my install and did some testing before I took off my there antennas 3 full S units above the other screwdriver, Then I put up a Ham stick (no comperision). After this install everything changed, The antenna is built like a tank just like advertised. You will have to have a very good mount for it It is also very easy to tune, I get close by listening to the noise level then tweak it in with the swr meter.
It has survived the hurricane and driving rains and many low tree limbs MY fault.I tell you that most of the time when i check in on the Nets I belong too the always ask if Im at home or mobile most people cant tell by the signl strenght.I have no reason to boast or bragg just telling the truth.I would sugest that any one that is serious about their mobile station do your self a favor give Ron a call...
Thanks Ron for one of best antennas ever made and the fantasitc cust service you provide..
KJ4NUN
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KB6HRT
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Rating: 5/5
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Nov 27, 2011 09:24
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5 years and happy!
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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Went to a Hamfest 5 years age in AZ and saw the SA-680 and this thing was built so well and looked so good I just had to have one!
I brought the antenna, even though I had a good antenna on my truck ! I also met a great friend Ron Douglas. I stored my Sa-680 till I could think of a project I an Ron could do together using the SA-680 on. I came up with a vertical on the roof of my house so I could hear my ham friend on 75 meters in there Big Rigs in the mornings better, it worked! vertical to vertical works better. 2 years later brought a 0-Five 43' vertical
used it instead of the SA-680 but did not get the results I was looking for so after a years I called Ron and asked him if he would help me install my Sa-680 in series with the Zero-5 vertical, we did and thats a match made in heaven IT WORKS!
Its like 1+1 =4 on the low bands 160-80-40, now with all the sun spots I have shortened the Zero-5 to 27' and the system still
works 10-160 but works best on 80-40 - 20 -17-15 . I have a ICOM 7600 an a PW-1 so I can compare
my antenna systems visually an audio wise at a glance an this antenna system WORKS! I again would like to thank Ron an Tom at Zero 5 for there knowledge and help on these projects! It would be a perfect world if everybody was like these to gentleman! .................KB6HRT
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GOLDTR8
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Rating: 5/5
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Nov 27, 2011 06:03
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Oned over 1 year now
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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Since we are now in winter conditions in MI, I wanted to post that the antenna works great even in the cold, snow and rain.
I have had this antenna for over one year now and it has never missed a beat.
I have built a second mobile in my Chevy truck and do not have a scorpion yet so it allows me to compare my Jeep with the Shorty and the hamsticks. Well all I can say is that I want to use the jeep as I can hear and be heard. Where the Chevy does not hear as well and I am not heard as well. I have done all the bonding and so on so both vehicles are proper installation.
I will be purchasing another Antenna for Christmas, I just need to know Ron's backlog and figure out my next mounting for the Chevy.
Mobile is fun when you have a good antenna compared to "dummy loads on a stick"
Don KD8NNU
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KF4OOP
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Rating: 5/5
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Aug 22, 2011 11:07
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Outstanding
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I have had this Black Widow model for a little over a year and get nothing but compliments everytime I key up. Mounted on a stainless steel table at 42 inches above road level it tunes 1.2 to 1.5 with the Icom 7000. Super performance and would highly recomend this antenna to anyone that demands top shelf products. A little expencive, but you get what you payfor twice over. Exceptional craftsmanship, Ron makes one superb antenna.
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W1RIK
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Rating: 5/5
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Aug 10, 2011 13:51
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Outstanding mobile antenna
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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OK, my turn to get on the Scorpion bandwagon. I have had this antenna installed for about 2 months and use it with a Yaesu FT-857d. Although I generally work 20M SSB, I have occasionally drifted to 40m, 17m and 15m. This antenna has performed beautifully on all bands. Generally, if I can hear it, I can work it barefoot. I had previously used a monoband hamstick which performed OK. The 680s performed better on all bands, and the noise level was reduced.
Last weekend I was sitting in a parking lot working Europe and Ireland during IOTA. I was getting 57 and 58 reports. I can easily work most of the US when conditions permit from SW Florida. As with any mobile antenna, bonding is very important on the vehicle
You do not believe the quality of this antenna until you have it in front of you. I bought it because of the reviews and Ron's help with my questions. I assumed it would be a good quality unit, but when I opened the shipping tube, WOW.
I had an opportunity to visit Ron at his shop and see these being made. His attention to detail is extraordinary. The quality of the components is extremely high.
I am probably just piling on with all of the other outstanding reviews here but all I can say is that with the performance, quality, support and guarantee, you would be a fool to buy anything else. I am not sorry I spent the extra money over the competitors. It was well worth it!
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GOLDTR8
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Rating: 5/5
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May 7, 2011 15:08
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This antenna is tough and it just plain works!
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Time owned: 6 to 12 months
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I have had this antenna for about 9 months now.
Since day one it has just plain worked! It has worked for contacts in the States and DX.
Before this antenna I was just a short range rig with average reports using hamsticks and a tuner. After this install everything changed, I started making DX contacts while mobile have had many contacts with a fellow Jeep ham in Alaska.
The antenna is built like a tank just like advertised. I have no issues going off road with my rig with this antenna installed.
It is also very easy to tune, I get close by listening to the noise level then tweak it in with the swr meter in the IC-7000.
It has survived the winter season in Michigan with no problems. It even worked when it was below zero to tune to different bands without missing a beat.
I did a lot of research before I purchased this antenna from Ron. I looked at a lot of antennas in parking lot at Dayton last year when I started my research and I found this one along with a lot of others. I also did a lot of research on the internet and had many discussions with folks on pros and cons of many different antennas. What put me over the top was my experience on nets when I tried to log in last fall and was having a difficult time. I found some hams that were mobile using this antenna and they did not have problems. In fact they sounded like fixed stations. So I made the plunge and I am glad I did.
I always get reports that folks do not believe that I am mobile and the wonder how I do it barefoot. Well it starts with a good antenna and proper installation.
So all I need now is that SGC power cube and my mobile will be complete.
Bottom line its a great antenna, it is built as advertized, it works better than expected.
If you want a good mobile antenna buy from Ron, if you want a dummy load on a stick go get something else. I started with dummy loads so I know the difference.
Hope to hear you on the air KD8NNU
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AB6WL
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Rating: 5/5
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Apr 5, 2011 17:01
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Excellent antenna and workmanship
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Time owned: 6 to 12 months
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This antenna by Ron Douglass is not only an excellent tool for mobile HF, but it is also a sturdy and durable work of art. I have been using it for 9 months, and it is worth every penny I spent on it. Many stations I work are surprised to hear that I am mobile. You can see a picture of the antenna on top of my SUV on qrz.com.
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N5SWE
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Rating: 5/5
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Nov 2, 2010 21:10
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SUPER GREAT antenna
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Time owned: 6 to 12 months
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I have been looking at mobile antennas for years. This is my third screwdriver antenna. Almost Everyone I contact on 100 watts can't believe I am mobile. This antenna is very well built and I am so very, very happy with it.
Very well engineered and built to last, plug and play! Ron is a pleasure to deal with. Only problem you may have is a waiting list to get one made that is growing daily!
2001 Silverado, Yaesu 857. The SA-680S is mounted in center of Pick up bed on a steel rack on top of bed. The best signal strenght is to sides and rear of truck. Call Ron, you wil be happy you did!
73 Roy N5SWE
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W7WX
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Rating: 5/5
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May 14, 2010 22:18
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Excellent Quality and Performance!
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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In a nut shell, not one complaint only praise. The workmanship and quality of this antenna simply cannot be shown on Ron's website. It is well worth the wait for this antenna. Most definitely a 5/5!
I replaced my Hi-Q 4/80RT which performance wise it is/was probably about the same (at least in my installation). I control mine with the BetterRF motor controller and my Icom IC-7000 and it's a terrific combination for my needs. I'm on the road allot and I really needed an antenna I could count on working each and every time, which it has.
First time screwdrivers owners would be wise to seriously consider this antenna (along with the other Scorpions) from the get go...especially if they are wondering what else they might need. Yes, it's an expensive antenna, but it's also high quality and very complete (except the mount, coax, & ground straps). But the main components needed to get on the air are included. It takes the guess work out of it that's for sure. Wish I had gone this way first time around, it would have saved me allot of headaches and time (not to mention money).
Two thumbs up without question on this antenna! It's a very quality built antenna and it's no wonder Ron charges what he does for freight. As mentioned the hardest part was unpacking the antenna. 22 lbs shipped, and over a 13 lb antenna.
Nicely done Ron! I plan on running this for many years.
Larry / W7LJB
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