Manager


Manager - NA4M
Manager Notes

Reviews For: Alpha Antenna FMJ Multiband, HF directional/vertical

Category: Antennas: HF Portable (not mobile)

eMail Subscription

Registered users are allowed to subscribe to specific review topics and receive eMail notifications when new reviews are posted.
Review Summary For : Alpha Antenna FMJ Multiband, HF directional/vertical
Reviews: 82MSRP: 399
Description:
The Alpha FMJ (Full Metal Jacket) Multiband antenna is a complete multiband 500W PEP SSB multipurpose HF system that is pre-tuned, requires no moving clips on coils or readjusting of whips for tuning, and easily deploys in 120 seconds. When installed over a poor ground or not placed in a clear area, a perfect SWR match of 1:1 on all frequencies/bands is easily achieved with your tuner. When fully deployed with the included NVIS element, the antenna system can be configured to launch your signal at your target in the opposite direction the NVIS element is run. For an omnidirectional signal pattern, you may remove the NVIS element. System and options include a Padded Field Bag, Alpha Match, 13 foot aluminum military type Mil-Stick whip available in 26 or 13 inch sections, Heavy Duty Tripod that requires no guying or Light Duty Tripod, Stainless Steel Jaw Mount, Active NVIS wire elements, and Counterpoise.
Product is in production
More Info: http://www.AlphaAntenna.com
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
15824.9
KX4LD Rating: 2020-10-29
Versatile, Excellent Antenna Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
The LT - FMJ is fantastic. With HOA restrictions, options are limited. Having lost a tree that supported a wire antenna, I needed another option.

The FMJ is deployed in just a few minutes, and the performance is spectacular. It is clamped about 6 feet above ground, used with the NVIS element - and just a few feet away from the house. Although not ‘ideal’ setup, the match across 80 - 10 is excellent - well within a range that can be used without the radios’ internal tuner (I do use it anyway). I’ve made easy contacts to Costa Rica, Mexico, Canada, and throughout the US, from the Florida panhandle, without external amplification. Well made, and in every way as stated on the website, and in many other reviews.
VE3WNSM0CEL Rating: 2020-06-03
Balcony mounted Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
I've got a slightly unique application of the FMJ in that I operate it from my 8th floor condo balcony. I have it jaw mounted to a camera tripod vertical post and when in use I simply swing it over the balcony railing. Its orientation is horizontal and I am not using the counterpoise because I find it has no impact on SWR which is about 2.7 across the 40 meter band. I operate mainly cw on 40 and when running 100 Watts the reverse beacon network confirms I'm getting out as far as the west coast and I'm located in Toronto. The antenna definitely works for me and is minimal compromise solution to my QTH limitations.
KD4KK Rating: 2020-04-06
Perfect for my application Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
This is going to be a glowing review of Alpha Antennas. They sell quality products and provide superior customer service.
I purchased the Alpha Antenna FMJ late last year before I purchased my HF rig. I planned to use low power with the 6-80 meter FMJ for FT-8 and JS8. We have open-air porches and my vision was to be able to operate from the porch with the FMJ on nice weekend days. I reached out to Steve at Alpha Antennas for guidance and he explained that every antenna serves a specific purpose. In aviation, we call that matching the aircraft to the mission. Steve was very responsive and helpful. The FMJ is pre-tuned and requires no adjustment to change bands which is a feature that is particularly attractive to me. The NVIS aspect of the FMJ can be directional so I purchased 4 elements to make it omnidirectional. However, I find that using the included 25-foot NVIS element works for my applications. The antenna arrived and when I opened the box one end of the tripod (mounting end) had punctured the heavy-duty carrying case during transit. I contacted Steve and he promptly sent a new case to me, no questions asked. This is another example of their outstanding customer service.
The entire system fits in the carrying case and can be erected in a few minutes. The tripod on which the vertical element is mounted is heavy-duty and does not require any guy ropes. The feet of the tripod have small footpads to assist in pushing the feet into the ground. The vertical element is collapsible and easy to erect and install.
Most of my limited experience with the FMJ has been on FT-8 and JS8 but I have made a few phone contacts. From S.C. I have been able to “hear” stations all across Europe, Puerto Rico and North America. I even heard a station from Mauritania almost 4,000 miles from my QTH. With only 20 watts, not all those stations heard me (or they chose not to respond). However, I have made contacts throughout the US including California (2,000+ miles), Canada (1,000+ miles), and Puerto Rico (1,300+ miles).
Since purchasing the FMJ I have asked Steve several questions and he has been quick to reply. I am so pleased with Alpha Antenna that after consulting with Steve I purchased a J-Pole Jr 34 foot end fed 6-80 meter antenna for my base station. I will review that once I have it set up and gain some experience.
WIKPK Rating: 2020-03-12
Excellent! Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Excellent well made antenna! The portability of it makes it very convenient for use with my camper...I can set up and break it down in minutes and in tight areas.

Don't let the portability fool you, this antenna packs a punch...... worth every penny!
N9AOP Rating: 2020-02-28
Excellent portable antenna setup. Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I used the FMJ at the Chicago forecast office for skywarn appreciation day. For the antenna part I used the Chamelion Mil + Mil ext + Cap hat on the ALPHA tripod and matching device. This resulted in an 18ft stick which was slightly more efficient than the Alpha one. Made mostly 20M SSB contacts and a few 40 all over CONUS and a couple of Canadians. Great products and easy to set up. Take this camping with me all the time. Like any short antenna, the higher frequencies play better than the lower ones and it works fine with its own whip also.
Art
W4CCZ Rating: 2020-02-27
A little weak for weak signals Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
The FMJ does tune nicely with a tuner.
Note that I only work on 40 meters, so I'm sure that has something to do with some difficulty with weak signals. I like that I can put 500watts to it, but if you can't hear, it doesn't do much good.

On the bright side, the owner/builder of the antenna did contact me and went the extra mile to make me a satisfied customer. A refund or swap for a different antenna was offered.


KE0JRT Rating: 2020-01-06
year round use 12 months Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I purchased this as an antenna I could take up to the cabin when I spend time up there. In the meantime I have it set up outside the window at the house. It has performed flawless even with the terrible location at home. I am in between 3 bluffs and on a small lot in the middle of a city. sing the 6 ft tripod it came with, I am still able to hit most of the USA. When I took it up to Northern Minnesota, in the woods, I was able to get out much farther then I even imagined. I talked with Italy, and all of the USA with no problem. Moving the NVIS wire, I was able to aim it wherever I wanted. A truly amazing antenna! Over the year plus that I have had it set up, there has been no downgrade in its performance. I have taken the whip apart and cleaned it a few times, adding dielectric grease to keep things protected. Comes apart easily and reassembles in a few minutes!
W4NTA Rating: 2019-10-27
Professional Quality Portable Multi-band Vertical Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
We received the antenna and coax in good condition. The antenna deployed very easily. We tested it in several configurations using FT8 on 40,20 and 17; confirming signal reports using PSKReporter. I was pleasantly surprised by the very good coverage we saw over Europe, Canada and South America. I am certainly looking forward to using it again the next time I’m operating from the field. Thank you for a fine product and prompt service.
K4ETN Rating: 2019-09-27
Best Quick Deployment Antenna out there! Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Our ARES team needed a quick deployment antenna that works. Easy one man setup and great performance, compact storage bag takes little space in our commo trailer.

Performance is outstanding 1.3:1 or less on all the bands. A good solution for emergency teams or general ham use.
NA1RH Rating: 2019-06-14
5 minute setup for a 59+ Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
Quality Product! Great Support. 6 to 80 M without wiggling with coils and constant adjustments. Tripod is of great quality and can be used fo other products like Hextenna too.

All it needs is 5 minutes to deploy - no measurements, no tuning and no constant runs to change anything on the antenna side.

Alpha Antenna Team and the owner Steve will ensure you are happy - Their specs will match your measurements. One thing I noticed is that Alpha guys are honest - they don't fudge the data - the published SWR results will be matching closely with your own measurements.

go get your HD-FMJ and enjoy your radio!