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Reviews Categories | Feedlines (coax, ladder-line, etc.) | W7FG 600-Ohm Open Wire Feeders Help


Reviews Summary for W7FG 600-Ohm Open Wire Feeders
W7FG 600-Ohm Open Wire Feeders Reviews: 23 Average rating: 5.0/5 MSRP: $0.58 (aprox. per foot)
Description: Real Open Wire Feeders for Ultimate in Low Loss!
More info: http://www.trueladderline.com/
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K4NA Rating: 5/5 Dec 31, 2009 23:15 Send this review to a friend
Tuned Feeders  Time owned: 0 to 3 months
Problem: I had used both 300 ohm and 450 ohm ladder line for years to center feed my 120 ft dipole at 60 ft. Using either caused me to readjust my tuner to compensate for changes in moisture on the antenna/feedline. When it rained, I couldn't get my old Johnson KW Matchbox to come close to tuning the ant on some bands.

Solution: I bought 175 ft of open wire feedline from Charlie, K5JYB. It allows me operate any band under any moisture condition and tune my antenna. I can't say the tuner settings never change when it's raining but they don't vary enough to matter. Now my Matchbox will tune every band, including the WARC bands. Kudos to Charlie.
 
W8YG Rating: 5/5 Nov 7, 2009 11:46 Send this review to a friend
WoW!!  Time owned: months
I use this wonderful antenna everyday and it continues to work flawlessly.
One must make sure that they have a excellent station ground. Thats right no daisy chaining everything to the tuner. Yes a ground bus bar is needed no its a must. A proper ground rod outside the shack and the thickest diameter wire you can get through the wall.
And a good tuner Palstar, Heathkit 2060a ,and the holy grail of open wire feeders the Johnson match box.
TVI at yes in the beginning. Due to poor station grounding. Total cost to bring my station up to snuff on the ground side. 45 dollars.
Now I run 1000 watts no problems. but with this antenna it seems that less power is what I have been running. I like to be 20 over to my friends on 80 meters and I can usually accomplish that with 600 watts.
Oh and do not give one to your friend he might have a stronger signal that you on your home freq. Now thats really a bad thing to have happen...LOL
 
W5KG Rating: 5/5 Oct 26, 2009 06:01 Send this review to a friend
Very Nice  Time owned: 0 to 3 months
I bought 100' of the True Ladder line and so far very impressed.
Not easy to put up with out help but not too bad.
I only used about 75' and with the 190' inverted "V" tunes and works great 80-17.
I waited to give a review until it rained because that was the main reason I bought this brand.
Using 450 ohm line VSWR would vary all over the place when wet.
With the 600 ohm now VSWR does not vary at all.
Very stable
Glad I bought it
Don, W5KG
 
W8YG Rating: 5/5 Sep 16, 2009 14:42 Send this review to a friend
Great antenna  Time owned: months
I just got my doublet today and it is a true beauty of an antenna. Very well made and easy to install. I have the apex at 50 feet and it appears to be working as it should. I made 2 brief contacts on 80 meters and the signal reports were very good.
I loaded my amp into it with a 1200 watt cw carrier and she loaded just fine. My Palstar 4k tuner loves this antenna. I am sure that I will also.
I would like to say thanks for the personal touch that was given to me by the True Ladder Line folks. It seems that this is one outfit that has not forgotten that being helpful is a plus.
 
KI6GU Rating: 5/5 May 28, 2009 00:32 Send this review to a friend
Much more stable than "window line"  Time owned: 0 to 3 months
I just bought and installed 100' of the "ture ladder line". It replaces the 450 ohm window line I had been using for several years. It feeds a 130' inverted vee which I use mostly on 75 meters. There is one reason I decided to try this line. Every time any moisture got on the old window line (even dew which formed on the line at night) the match would change. And when it would rain, I would have to constantly adjust the tunner. This new line has totally eliminated that problem and I am very happy with it.

--Jim
 
W7KGA Rating: 5/5 Dec 29, 2008 16:06 Send this review to a friend
Excellent Product  Time owned: 6 to 12 months
I have used Garys 600 Ohm open wire feed line for several months now.

I have a 100 Foot line going to my 450 foot loop, and a 50 foot line going to my 135 Foot Inverted Vee.

Both antennas now hold there tuning settings better. The wire is #16 Ga, is easy to work with, and runs Full Legal Power on SSB.

I'm planning on ordering his 240 Ft Doublet DiPole.
 
W6GJI Rating: 5/5 Nov 16, 2008 12:27 Send this review to a friend
Outstanding Product  Time owned: 6 to 12 months
I've used W7FG ladder line for eight months to feed a center-fed zepp at 40 feet. It appears to be made from quality components. The spacers can be easily removed/moved but they will not disconnect unintentionally. SWR is stable in high winds or rain. This is the best-performing all-band antenna that I've ever used. Considering the time and effort required to build your own ladder line, this stuff is a bargain! Also, Gary, W7FG, provides very friendly and fast service.
 
K8ZZ Rating: 5/5 Apr 24, 2008 11:45 Send this review to a friend
Michigan winters 600 ohm line  Time owned: more than 12 months
I live in northern lower Michigan and this 600 ohm ladder line has proven it will stand up to the harsh weather. I waited 2 winters before I sent in this review to be accurate. I just ordered another 300 feet today. Great product that does not vary in the rain, sleet or snow.. 73 Ed K8ZZ
 
K9IUQ Rating: 5/5 Aug 11, 2007 06:58 Send this review to a friend
Real Hams Use this  Time owned: more than 12 months
I have been using this feedline for around 6 years. I have 2 antennas that use it, a 277ft Loop and a 130 ft doublet. I just LOVE the way it looks, Beautiful. I get goose bumps everytime I look at it going up to my antennas. My XYL says it makes the house look junky, she aint a Ham.Doesnt matter what the XYL thinks, I am the Alpha dog in my household.

Does it work? Any oldtimer knows the answer to that. Stoopid Question. Go buy some now and get rid of your crummy coax/wimpy ladderline.

Stan K9IUQ
 
KE4ZHN Rating: 5/5 May 19, 2007 08:34 Send this review to a friend
Awesome!  Time owned: 6 to 12 months
I use the center fed 80 mtr. doublet and this thing rocks! Each half of the antenna is constructed from one continuous length of wire. Theres no solder splices to break or corrode. The insulators are made from some sort of pvc that doesnt seem to be affected by UV from the sun. Mine has been whipped around in high winds and tossed about in all sorts of nasty weather and just keeps on going. When it rains the swr barely moves due to the design of 600 ohm line. My 450 ohm fed antenna would require quite a bit of retouching in rainy weather to keep it flattened out. This 600 ohm line is also much more tuner friendly and makes finding a match a breeze on any band. I always get excellent signal reports on this antenna. I liked the 450 ohm line, but this 600 ohm is even better. The only disadvantage is routing is a bit trickier due to the spacing of the line and the fact that its not molded together like 450 ohm is. This is a very small price to pay for such low loss. For those wishing to experience true open wire feed, I highly recommend this antenna. its simple, strong and very effective for such a simple design.
 
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