Where to begin...I guess I will start with the description of this wonderful antenna. At a glance, the Double Bazooka is a typical dipole. Upon further inspection however, the similarities end. These antennae were originally designed as radar antennae, when radar was in it's infancy. The military was desperately trying everything they could think of to get the best radar setup possible to get ahead of everyone else. For those that know your history, you know exactly what I am referring to. Unfortunately, it did not do well as a radar antenna, but thankfully, it was discovered that it made an excellent transmit and receive antenna. It is simplistic in design, but can be difficult to keep together. The reason ? These antennae consist of 2 wires, not 1 like a typical dipole. The first 2/3 of the antenna is made from coax, with the outer jacket and outer shield/conductor removed. This leaves a center conductor and inner jacket, so you have no exposed wire. The last 1/3 of each leg is 300 ohm twin lead wire, with an end cap. The trick was getting the two odd sections of wire to stay together. Most failed. This antenna is different. The end cap, and joining section consists of mil-spec melting inner, shrink tubing. That's right, mil-spec. The exact same stuff I used as a helicopter mechanic in the Marine Corps. Solid. When this stuff is melted, it doesn't just shrink like the regular stuff you would find in the garage or around the house. This stuff is very thick to begin with, and takes some serious heat to melt, but, just as important as becoming structurally rigid, this stuff has an inner compound that melts to a thick, tar like consitancy, and man does it stick ! It seals out everything then dries to an almost rubber consistency. Between the two, the connection is going absolutely nowhere. In fact the only thing on the antenna that isn't mil-spec ( but it is certainly good enough to be ! ), is the custom designed center section, which joins both legs together to the coax connection. This is rock solid and weather proof. No wimpy, pull-apart center section here ! The PL connector is also mil-spec, gold plated socket and all. Belden coax, and Channel Master 300 ohm twin lead. This is as good as it gets folks !
Using the larger coax inner, and the large twin lead has a few advantages over other dipoles. For 1, you have a larger radiating surface area. Doesn't seem like much ? Consider it is about 3x the diameter of wire in a normal dipole. That's a lot in an antenna of length. 2, it is much easier to zip-tie your messenger line. You do use a messenger line, don't you ? Any dipole type antenna should have one, even if it is supported in the middle. No stretching, or stress at all on the antenna if you do it correctly. Your antenna will last next to forever. 3, is the ability to tune the antenna. All of these models are set for the low, CW portion of the band. Instead of having to take chances cutting your wire, you simply fold the twin lead back over on itself, 1 fold only, in a 6 inch increment. The twin lead folds nice and flat, you zip-tie it when you find the sweet spot, and forget it. Simple. Especially if you have to move it, it can always be retuned for height, ground effect etc. 4, nothing is exposed to the elements. That means no corrosion, and a quiet antenna in inclimate weather. 5, the twin lead actually allows the antenna to be a bit shorter and be on frequency. Every little bit helps, right ?
I have the "standard", or, full length 80/75 meter Double Bazooka, and the standard 40 meter Double Bazooka. With these antennae tuned for the middle of the bands, I have a very low swr all the way across the band. However, with a good antenna tuner, the 80 meter will run 80 - 10, or even 6 depending on your setup. 40 is not very efficient on this antenna, but will still do the job. On the 40 meter standard however, I talked to Costa Rica and Austrailia The fist night it was up. It was loud and clear, both directions. These are probably the quietest dipole type antennae you will find. Being impervious to the elements plays a big part in that. The recieve on them is a thing of beauty, and wow do I get my signal out ! I consistantly have a better signal than most people on the other end, most running as much or more power than I. These things will handle the limit no problem. I would not have bought a second, if I was not truely happy with the first. I would gladly put this up against any other wire dipole type antenna in the same place. I wouldn't think twice about it. I plan on buying several more to use at different angles etc. They have center loaded shortys (not trapped, loaded) for people lacking space, slopers, and more. Wire antennae for every need, want or situation.
Finally, there is David and Jeanna. That's right. Two people, husband and wife, that, not only give you customer service like you are talking to a neighbor or friend, but they put their personal reputation on these antennae. With products like they have, I am sure they are glad to do so. I have NEVER dealt with anyone so caring, not only about their product and support, but you as a person. When was the last time you spoke with someone in any customer service and felt like you should give them a hug when you were done talking to them ? Yes. It really is that good of an experience dealing with them.
To end, I will simply say that I would not only recommend these wonderful antennae to anyone for so many reasons, but I intend to have several more in my antenna farm. Wire antennae just aren't done any better than this. Thanks David & Jeanna for a wonderful product, and a great experience !
73s All.....Eric, south central Wisconsin
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