|
New to Ham Radio?
My Profile
Community
Articles
Forums
News
Reviews
Friends Remembered
Strays
Survey Question
Operating
Contesting
DX Cluster Spots
Propagation
Resources
Calendar
Classifieds
Ham Exams
Ham Links
List Archives
News Articles
Product Reviews
QSL Managers
Site Info
eHam Help (FAQ)
Support the site
The eHam Team
Advertising Info
Vision Statement
About eHam.net
|
| Reviews Summary for BetterRF 7000 Screwdriver Control |
|
Reviews: 40
|
Average rating: 4.6/5
|
MSRP: $84.95 + 8.00 shipping
|
|
Description: Companion piece for the BetterRF 7000 Tune Control. It allow
automatic tuning of a motorized antenna with the tune button
on the IC-7000
|
|
Product is in production.
|
|
More info: http://www.qth.com/betterrf/
|
|
Email Subscription
You are not subscribed to this review.
Subscribe!
My Subscriptions
Subscriptions Help
|
You can
write your own review of the BetterRF 7000 Screwdriver Control.
|
K5KNM
|
Rating: 5/5
|
Feb 7, 2012 22:44
|
Send this review to a friend
|
|
Great accesory for the IC-7000
|
Time owned: 0 to 3 months
|
I recently purchased this product to go along with a Little Tarheel HP screwdriver antenna. The setup was relatively simple although it is true that common mode RF currents will effect this device and cause some erratic behavior.
My particular problem was solved by using some 18 gauge wire rather than the thinner 4 conductor jacketed wire that came with the Tarheel antenna.
This was suggested by Alan Applegate KOBG along with being sure to wrap the control wires neatly and uniform as possible around and thru the supplied mix 31 ferrite bead. The tech support for these products were fast and very helpful!
The tune control and screwdriver controller devices do a fine job and I like the fact you can monitor the tuning process on the radios meters. I seem to always get a 1.5 or less (usually less)SWR reading.
The only negatives I would give is the same as others had said. Mainly the tune control doesn't seem very solid and the Molex connector seems to be easily breakable. Knowing that, it should be obvious that care must be given when connecting/ reconnecting the device.
Since I regularly take my radio in and out of my truck, I decided to makeup a 12" Molex extension cable so I don't have to put undue stress to the Molex connector on the tune controller and disconnect it from the radio side.
It would be nice to have an integrated unit instead of having to use 2 devices to accomplish the same function. Maybe there will be one in the future.
All in all, I would recommend these devices to anyone who owns a screwdriver antenna with the compatible radios for them!
|
|
NZ9Y
|
Rating: 5/5
|
Jan 25, 2012 20:30
|
Send this review to a friend
|
|
Feature loaded.
|
Time owned: 0 to 3 months
|
Just installed this setup into my 7000 with Tarheel mobile rig. I never bothered to ge the tarheel much below about 1.7:1 on the lower bands as it just doesn;t matter performance wise. I was worried that the BetterRF product would have trouble but there was nothing to worry about.
Often times the SWR is lower than my eyes and the meter can show and the controller finds it, On 75 meters I just programmed the tune control to stop on the slightly higher SWR and it works fine. The other bands are great. The only glitch is that when changing by 10-20 kHz and thereby raising the SWR to about 2:1, sometimes the controller wont start, but I am sure I have the SWR threshhold set too high and will lower it soon.
I was a bit worried as others about the Tune controls connection points and durability, but I dont see anything but worry, not one review saying it has broken. It a new product for me, but I expect it to work well for a long time. It will get its chance, I work HF mobile all day long during the workday!
|
|
K6DTK
|
Rating: 5/5
|
Jan 21, 2012 21:56
|
Send this review to a friend
|
|
Excellent Equipment - Outstanding Tech Support
|
Time owned: more than 12 months
|
I run an Icom IC 7000 with a Scorpion 6-80 Screwdriver Antenna, used primarily for mobile Airmail when I am in remote outback locations. I needed to control the antenna quickly in order to change bands, as needed.
I purchased the Better RF Screwdriver Control along with their Tune Control, in order to make quick band changes possible. While there is a slight learning curve associated with the set-up, once overcome, the end result was outstanding.
As important as it is to have a product that works, and works well, it is just as important to be able to turn to the manufacturer for help when needed. Between Gerry W6TER and Alan Applegate, K0BG, they were able to help me work through the the set-up of my system. This is the type of customer and tech support that good reputations and good referrals are made of!!
DaveK
K6DTK
|
|
K8MSH
|
Rating: 5/5
|
Dec 12, 2011 12:04
|
Send this review to a friend
|
|
Good With Tarheel II
|
Time owned: 0 to 3 months
|
|
Initially ran into issues with RF--motor would not fire up on anything above 20 meters. Called for help Saturday after Thanksgiving, and left message figuring they'd get back to me Monday. An hour later, both Gary and Alan were on the line, conference style. Got a quick lesson on doing additional choking and it was up and running as it should in less than 20 minutes. Have some extra snap-on ferrite (mix 31) beads handy--DX Engineering sells them. Also, it would be nice if they'd make the Molex connector on the back of the 7000 tune(needed w/ screwdriver control) unit a little more solid. Otherwise, great little unit.
|
|
KB2HUK
|
Rating: 5/5
|
Sep 26, 2011 10:09
|
Send this review to a friend
|
|
good product great service
|
Time owned: 0 to 3 months
|
|
Had some initial confusion on installing controler so I made a phone call to the company and they returned my call the same afternoon having Gary Smith The owner and Alan Applegate a mobile expert on the line confrence call style. Together they guided my hand until I installed everything properly . The service was great . The product works what else can I ask for . Thank you
|
|
KM6CQ
|
Rating: 5/5
|
Apr 10, 2011 09:44
|
Send this review to a friend
|
|
Works very well.
|
Time owned: more than 12 months
|
I bought this in December of 2007 Installed it and it has worked perfectly. I use HF all the time while I am mobile. It tunes 80 through Six always.
73, Dan KM6CQ
|
|
8877
|
Rating: 5/5
|
Jan 13, 2011 03:47
|
Send this review to a friend
|
|
Excellent Product
|
Time owned: 6 to 12 months
|
|
This is one great product. Well engineered addition to the 7000. Easy installation and operation. Very helpful support. Happy to recommend.
|
|
K5HAB
|
Rating: 5/5
|
Jan 7, 2011 08:14
|
Send this review to a friend
|
|
Pleasure to have
|
Time owned: more than 12 months
|
I have two of the BetterRF Tune/Screwdriver controls combinations, one in an RV and the other in a van. I have used these for two plus years. The installation was easy with great support from their service manager, K0BG. They are flawless – works every time. They stand up to rugged use in search & rescue missions. Great product.
|
|
KB2HUK
|
Rating: 2/5
|
Jan 1, 2011 16:26
|
Send this review to a friend
|
|
junk
|
Time owned: months
|
|
Had bought the controller two pieces to interface my Tarheel (great antenna) Screwdriver mobile antenna and my Icom 7000 . I found no comfort in the plastic boxes or the flimsy connectors very fragile especially in a mobile environment. after hooking the whole thing up I felt if I went over a bump I might damage the connections . I read the directions over so many times I could of recited them back to you and After several days trying to get the antenna to work with the radio I gave up . This product is a good idea but needs to carried out differently .
|
|
WA1GZY
|
Rating: 0/5
|
Aug 15, 2010 09:50
|
Send this review to a friend
|
|
Not for IC-7000
|
Time owned: 0 to 3 months
|
The BetterRF 7000 indeed moves the Hi Q 6/160.... randomly! The N2VZ TurboTuner works straight out of the box. Set dipswitch to 500MA and use alternate SWR setting. Tracking is accurate for 80 to 15 meters but misses 160, 12 and 10 meter settings. These bands can be accessed if the antenna is moved with double pole switch however.
It also may be possible to adjust the shunt coil for better/broader band coverage.
|
|
If you have any questions, problems, or suggestions about Reviews,
please email your Reviews Manager.
|
|
|
|
|
