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You can
write your own review of the Array Solutions Baluns.
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KC8OKG
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Rating: 5/5
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Feb 28, 2008 14:43
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A+ after nearly a year
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Time owned: 6 to 12 months
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Fantastic product as always from Array Solutions. This company truly sets the standard for quality. Before you buy anything from anyone else--see if Jay and the team at Array Solutions have what you are looking for or a version of it. Seems that everything these guys sell is TOP NOTCH.
I am currently in the process of setting up a ham station at my school to try to get my students interested in ham radio.
I just bought my second Tuner balun from them. First one has worked flawlessly with my Zerofive vertical at my home qth.
Now the second one will serve us well im sure at the school station.
Overbuilt quality in a good way-this thing is tuff-believe me---ive smoked a few parts in my day. NOT the Array Solutions tuner. If I cant destroy it-you wont either.
Jay and the team even gave us a school discount on our purchase. Thanks Jay.
Great guys-superior quality-fantastic service.
These tuner-baluns are a one time deal--I am convinced they will last a lifetime-no exceptions.
Thanks, 73 Greg Sarris KC8OKG
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N5PTV
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Rating: 5/5
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Feb 23, 2008 00:42
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Well Constructed and Excellent Customer Service from Mfg.
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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Since my review for the ZF-43 also includes an Array Solutions Balun, I thought it would be appropriate to add it here as well. I placed my order for the ZF-43, radial plate, and AS-200-Tuner balun from Array Solutions. Their customer service and response to questions and emails is excellent.
The quality, performance, and durability of the Zero-Five multi-band vertical is a refreshing shift from typical amateur radio products. The components and fasteners supplied are above and beyond average. The level of customer service is nothing short of outstanding. Every email to Zero-Five was promptly answered and to my satisfaction. When I experienced a shortage due to the incompetence of a carrier, Tom was quick to remedy the situation. He simply wanted me to get the antenna setup as soon as possible and provided me with a replacement of the missing component.
I purchased the 43 foot model along with the Array Solutions AS-200-Tuner balun and the Penninger radial plate. The antenna was mounted in temporary location, pending XYL approval, and three 43 foot radials were deployed. Usually a minimum of 16 radials should be placed around the antenna at 0.1 wavelength long on the lowest band used. However, I have had good luck with matching the radial length to antenna height in the past and I didn’t feel like cutting 16 radials while the antenna was not in its permanent location.
On the first weekend, dividing my time between my 9-month-old and house chores, I worked J39BS, KG4SS (Guantanamo), XE1YQQ, TI7/VU2YAM, VE6AL, XE2EX, CO7PH, and CM6RCR. Most of these contacts were on 75 meters. The lowest signal report I received was a 5x5 with 100 watts.
I have been using the internal antenna tuner in the radio to clean up the VSWR. The radio tuner can only match between 16 and 150 ohms, so the antenna/balun combination is doing a great job at keeping the VSWR at or below 3:1. I do have an amplifier, but have not yet used it with this antenna. I am in the process of deciding which high power auto antenna tuner will best fit my needs and budget. The amplifier may be able to handle a 2.5:1, but I am not going to risk a set of tubes.
This antenna replaced a popular trap style vertical. This wasn’t because I was not happy with it or its performance, it worked very well for what it was. I ended up donating the antenna to the local ARC to raise money. I discovered Zero-Five in the process of looking for a replacement a short while later. I read the reviews, talked to Tom and figured I’d give it a go. I really liked the idea of no traps, coils, capacitors, capacitance hats, or other do-hickies that would require adjustment and may sizzle under QRO. The balun mounts to a nice little plate just below the radiator and is housed in a weather tight case held on by stainless fasteners. It really looks like it means business. Since it is self-supporting, the antenna can also be folded over in a minimal amount of time. It requires two ¾ inch wrenches and one person can lower and raise the antenna. This is a great feature for maintenance, bad weather, and snoopy neighbors.
Well, there you have it. The Zero-Five 43 foot multi-band antenna has exceeded my expectations for performance, build quality, choice of materials and simplicity. The customer service I received from Zero Five was superb.
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K5ML
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Rating: 5/5
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Feb 18, 2008 14:32
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Outstanding product and service
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Time owned: 3 to 6 months
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I have an Array Solutions AS-200-T mounted at the base of my ZeroFive Multiband Vertical. The combination works great.
This past weekend I worked many stations worldwide during the ARRL CW DX Contest, using the vertical-balun combination, with only 5 watts output. You can read the details in my eham review for the ZeroFive titled, "Giving the ZeroFive the 5-watt Test." When I can work the world with 5 watts and a ground-mounted vertical, it's safe to assume that there is negligible loss in the balun.
Like ZeroFive, Array Solutions builds outstanding products, backed up with excellent customer service and support. You can't go wrong with a lifetime guarantee. Bravo!
73,
Mick, K5ML
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W7JK
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Rating: 5/5
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Feb 16, 2008 14:46
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Superb
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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The Array Solutions AS-200-Tuner 4:1 Balun, is the second commercially made unit that I have used for this specific application. The first one failed almost immediately so I have a good basis for comparision.
My advice is if you want a trouble free unit with a no BS lifetime warranty, buy the Baluns offered by Array Solutions.
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NA4U
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Rating: 5/5
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Feb 4, 2008 17:47
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Solid Performer
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Time owned: 3 to 6 months
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I have the Array Solutions AS-200-T at the bottom of my 43' Zero Five vertical as recommended by Zero Five. This "BALUN" is actually a modified Ruthroff 4:1 transmission line transformer (TLT) that works well in this UNUN role. If you use it with a vertical, you will want to open it up and plug the four tiny weep holes on the (now) side (I used bathroom caulk)and redrill four weeps hole in what will be the (new) bottom in the vertical mounting position. When you have it open, you will notice the quality and care in the construction. If you do not open it, you could drill into something important!
It is rugged and well built. It is not easy to design a Ruthroff for this application. It can take the power, provide a consistently good match, and transfer RF current efficienty to the antenna. Another great feature of this design is the DC grounding of the vertical. Jerry Sevick likes the design and for most that is all you need to know.
The proof is in the performance and it performs very well. No other vertical I have ever tried has ever worked any where near as well as the Zero Five 43' / Array Solutions AS-200-T combination. Most others were noise collectors and inefficient radiators. Jay of Array Solutions is a joy to deal with and will willingly answer questions about his products.
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AA6VB
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Rating: 5/5
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Jan 29, 2008 14:44
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Updated Review
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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This is an updated review after two years of use.
I cannot reccommend Array Solutions and its products highly enough.
I was having a problem with a 30/40/80/160 meter vertical and matching network I built. I noticed an increase in the SWR as the applied power was increased. No one could identify the cause of the problem. I contacted Jay at Array Solutions and we discussed the potential issues. We eventually traced the problem to a ferrite bead balun I was using which overheated as power was applied up to the kilowatt level. Jay and I discussed the possible replacments and he helped me select the W1JR 1:1 High Power Balun. I needed the balun for the CQWW SSB Contest and Jay shipped it two day air so I had it installed two days later.
The quality of the product is excellent, and it has worked flawlessly for the last two plus years of low band dxing. The balun takes all my amp can give it (1,500 watts cw) with absolutely no sign of heating.
Jay's knowledge, patience and cooperative attitude helped me solve a nagging problem and helped get my new antenna system up and running.
73,
Bob/AA6VB
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K2VI
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Rating: 5/5
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Jan 29, 2008 13:10
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top notch quality
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Time owned: 6 to 12 months
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LIFETIME WARRANTY AND THEY MEAN IT!SMALL 2 MAN BUSSINESS THAT MAKES A SUPERIOR PRODUCT.BEWARE OF SPIN-OFF BALUNS THAT RESEMBLE THE ORIGINAL ARRAY SOLUTION BALUN,THEY ARE NOT BUILT TO THE SAME STANDARDS.I SUGGEST THIS BALUN FOR THE AM GUYS RUNNING 1.5K FULL KEY DOWN,OTHER THAN CENTAUR THERE IS NOT A BALUN OUT THERE THAT CAN DO IT AS WELL AS ARRAY SOLUTION'S BALUN.GREAT JOB GUY'S.
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N2YXW
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Rating: 5/5
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Oct 20, 2007 12:00
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Great product, Great service
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Time owned: 3 to 6 months
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I am also a zerofive vertical owner. I could not be more happy with my Array Solutions AS200 tuner balun. Just open it up and look at the quality of the material and workmanship. Jay and Bob both were very helpful and speedy in answering my questions. Such personal service is such a rare find these days!
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KB1LJJ
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Rating: 5/5
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Sep 25, 2007 22:58
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kb1ljj
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I'm another Zero-Five Vertical owner, Tom has endorsed Array Solutions Tuner Balun AS200. Well since Tom builds the best Multi Band in the business today I didn't hesitate to follow his lead. At the time I was using another brand balun DX Eng. It worked Ok but was way too big and heavy. When I received my AS200 from Jay I thought ,You gotta be kidding! Small, light weight looked like a toy. Well I opened it up and compared it to my present balun DX Eng., NO contest Array Solutions has got it down!!! Over built with the best raw components,fit and finish outstanding. It's funny one can get cranked over such a simple devise. Kb1ljj
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KB7ORD
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Rating: 5/5
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Sep 20, 2007 20:31
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Outstanding Product
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I bought the AS-200-Tuner Balun based on ZeroFive's recommendations. All I can say is this, the product is bullet proof, works, and the people at Array Solutions are professionals when it comes to questions, service, and a quality built product that works beyond expectations. Other balun manufactures might as well turn their lights out and close their doors.
Thanks,
Randy - KB7ORD
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