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Reviews For: B-Square Engineering 10M-80M 66ft Terminated Folded Dipole

Category: Antennas: HF: Verticals; Wire; Loop

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Review Summary For : B-Square Engineering 10M-80M 66ft Terminated Folded Dipole
Reviews: 14MSRP: 250
Description:
B-Square Engineering is the first to offer a Terminated
Folded Dipole antenna, truly optimized for amateur radio
use. The B-Square Engineering Terminated Folded Dipole
reinforces that fact, an antenna that provides solid
performance and extraordinary value in one package. We
fabricate this antenna using high grade, super strong
STAINLESS STEEL CABLE. 1.5 ~ 30 MHz continuous coverage
WITHOUT A TUNER (for the 122 foot version, not reviwed
here). Excellent performance at low mounting heights. There
are no coils, switches, taps or traps to require attention
or cause problems. Terminating resistor uses the latest in
non-inductive thick film technology, a waterproof monolithic
package, complete with an integrated heat sink - A B-Square
Engineering exclusive! Use as a flat top, inverted V or
sloper. 300 watt continuous capacity. 800 ohm high impedance
feed, 16:1 balun included. Comes completely assembled,
center support, end yokes, and swivels included. All cable
connections are crimped and soldered. Following assembly
they are coated with high voltage motor varnish to offer the
very best in corrosion protection. Designed for zero
maintenance, yet totally field serviceable.
Product is in production
More Info: http://www.b-squareengineering.com/TerminatedFoldedDipole.htm
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
00144.5
K4SC Rating: 2013-04-21
Updated Review Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
I wanted to update my own review on the B-Square 66 ft antenna. I stated previously that it did not perform as well as my other antenna on 80 meters. I now wish to say that it does equally as well. I based my review on only two attempts which is really poor statistics. I have been using the antenna on 75 meters much more with my new to me S-Line and received and given very good reports. Overall I am extremely pleased with the antenna on 80 through 10 meters.
KK4AXW Rating: 2013-03-14
Very Pleased Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I have had this antenna up for about a month and I couldn't be happier with it. The center is up about thirty five feet with the ends ten feet off the ground. The noise level is very low and the SWR is 1:4 or lower on all bands. I have made contacts on 10m, 12m, 15m, 17m, 20m, 40m, 60m, and the 80m band running 100 watts. If you have room for only one antenna I would recommend this one!
OZ1DXI Rating: 2013-02-07
Very surprising Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.

I'm using this antenna with the feedpoint just 10 feet up and the ends just 3 feet of the ground. I'm impressed with the way this antenna is creating contacts for me.

I want the antenna up - 30 feet or so and will return with more info

If you want an antenna with fine performance on all ham bands and you Don't want to tune whenever you move frequency - this is a very good choice
AK4SK Rating: 2012-07-10
Great limited space multiband antenna. Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
I have limited horizontal space and due to other constraints I am limited in height for a tall mast (other than expensive free-standing towers) and the groundspace required for radials for a vertical. I am a new ham and I was looking for my first base station antenna that was plug and play and also multiband to allow me to learn about the different HF bands and how to operate on HF. With all of these constraints and the criteria I wanted in an antenna the terminated folded dipole seemed like a good choice. I looked at G5RVs but decided against them because I didn't want to have to suspend the ladder line section away from my mast.I was attracted to B-Square's design because they took the time to optimize it for the ham bands compared to the traditional design that can be built or that is offered by other companies. They explain this on their website better than I can so I'll refer you to http://www.b-squareengineering.com/TerminatedFoldedDipole.htm if you're interested.

Over the few months I have had it I have been able to make contacts on the 6m, 10m, 12m, 15m, 17m, 20m, 40m, 60m, and 80m bands. I'm located in the southeast and most contacts have been in the US (including several out west) but I have also made several in the Caribbean, South America, and Europe. I have been able to hear stations in Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and the Middle East but I just can't get through the pileups of people running 1kW into a beam pointed right at them (which is to be expected).

I am by no means an antenna expert or an expert on anything ham related. That being said there is a lot of bad press out on the web about the terminated folded dipole. All of its limitations are well known and easy to find on the web. It may only apply to a small number of people but if it is rightfully chosen amongst other antennas with an understanding of its limitations it may just be the best choice out there. It just so happens that for my situation this was and has been the perfect antenna for me and B-Square Engineering has executed it perfectly.