| N5UYP |
Rating:  |
2024-07-18 | |
| HexTenna is the best antenna I have |
Time Owned: 0 to 3 months. |
I went on a pota yesterday with some friends on the gulf coast of Louisiana. I must tell I have never experienced the clarity of audio as I have with the hex antenna. The audio was fm quality coming out of my Yaesu ftdx 10. I spoke to Russia, Wales and Germay with 59 reports. Also, over 100 qso’s in US. I had a pile up each time I called and they were all booming in. The least report I got was a 52 and most were 59 plus.
Tuning is a breeze with a meter hanging around my neck. Didn’t bother with tape measure. The really stunning part is 1.0 swr across 20 meters. I was going to get a push up pole for this antenna but I just don’t see the need and I don’t think there would be much to gain getting it higher for the effort. I just had to share my absolute delight with this antenna. What a winner.
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| KQ4FJG |
Rating: |
2023-11-06 | |
| A Fantastic Balance of Portability and Base Applications |
Time Owned: 6 to 12 months. |
Summary:
This is a fantastic antenna with very low SWR coupled with great customer service plus it's made in USA (except for the tripod which is Made in India).
Introduction:
After getting my license, I wanted to get an antenna that provided balance between being a home base since I reside in a restricted socialistic HOA and have mobility to launch it anywhere. I saw some good reviews, although very few, of this antenna on YouTube. I also wanted to future proof the antenna with ability to use my ICOM IC-756 Pro III and to be bought ICOM IC-705. It was a choice among this one, Alpha's MIL 2.0 antenna and portable FMJ antenna. I picked up the phone and called Alpha and got Steve on the line. He and I talked for almost an hour. It was a humbling experience to me as for someone with wealth of knowledge to talk with a newly minted Ham. He convinced me to get the HexTenna based on my needs and have the Magloop on my wishlist as second one.
Applications:
I have used this antenna with mostly the 756 II and III, 7300 and Yaesu FTDX-3000. We used it for both winter and summer Ham Contests. The SWR we got were between 1.1 and 1.5 with minimal tuning or adjustments. The radios were able to break through pileups and make contacts with folks from Kangaroo and Kiwi lands as well as from Brazil and Japan.
I have also taken it on a few POTA trips with an ICOM IC-7300, belonging to one of my friends. Again, no issues with connectivity. We were able to make contacts with folks form the continent and Africa along with others. We did put a metal window screen to enhance the signal quality, which helped it even more.
The instructions are so concise, that many may think it is incomplete documentation. But it serves the purpose of a compact package as you do not want to lug around a paper document.
The only issue I have found is that the shoulder strap got lose on one side of the bag; the seams were improperly sewn.
Other Thoughts:
Alpha was selling a 24 gauge wire for 80m experimental capability for this antenna. Given the lack of room in my backyard, Steve recommended me to not buy it. Since then, it has been discontinued. Purchasing a wire is going to be my project to test its 80m capabilities, which I am sure won't be an issue.
Conclusion:
A good product goes a long way. However, in the age of digital advancement, it is heartening to see the owner of the company take time to answer the customer service and discuss the product and steer towards the right product, without overselling. That's the essence of HAM - to converse with strangers. Moreover, the efforts to make the antenna in USA are even more commendable. As Steve told me, the reason he went to a vendor in India for the tripod was because it was the best balance of heft and value one could get for a converted survey tripod to handle HexTenna needs.
Keep up the good work Alpha! |
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| KA7PHR |
Rating: |
2023-08-24 | |
| Excellent antenna |
Time Owned: 0 to 3 months. |
i recently purchased the Hextenna at a hamfest in Warrensburg, MO. The gentlemen that I bought from were helpful, but I still had some questions about the usage and configuration of the antenna once I reached home. After reaching out to Alpha Antena, I received a call from Steve Deines (Steve happens to be the owner) and he walked me through the answers to all my questions in a very lively discussion.
I did take advantage of the fact that we are in the same general area and invited myself to the shop where I met "Steve" who I did not realize was the owner until I saw him. Steve went out of his way to show me how the antenna worked and how best to configure it with the tripod that I decided to purchase.
I had previously used the antenna on an all-steel Outpost antenna (all aluminum), but the performance of the Hextenna on the Alpha brand tripod far exceeded my expectations for setup, configuration, and craftsmanship.
While I was there, I did take advantage of the opportunity to purchase an HOA Buster which also exceeded my expectations which I will cover in a different review.
Performance: was definitely a 4.5 out of 5 (Not 5 only because it was an excessively windy day and I did not want to stress my new toy and potentially wrack it, but I believe it would have been just fine)
The setup: was a 5 out of 5
Craftsmanship: 5 out of 5
Instructions: were a 2.5 out of 5 only because I do not think I realized how simple the usage really was. I am revising this to a 5 out of 5 after talking to Steve. My recommendations, KISS, the instructions are good, just don't over complicate things by trying to be smarter than the gear itself.
Customer service: 10 out of 5 Exceptional does not begin to cover the knowledge I gained from the conversation and the interaction. The shop is a shop, but getting the opportunity to see it first hand and understand more completely the philosophy and ultra simplicity of the products was eye-opening. Alpha Antenna does not rely on gimmicks, flashy nonsense, or trendy influences that seem to come and go in the Amateur radio market. The antennas just work and are built on the principle of solid RF engineering and first-rate craftsmanship. These aren't toys they are solid tools that deliver everything they promise and then some.
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| KD9HJU |
Rating: |
2023-01-30 | |
| Better than all others? You decide. |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
After seeing this HexTenna was winning contests by Judy Sauder Smith and others, I bought it. After using it for a year, here is what I appreciate most:
SIMPLE INSTRUCTIONS - Simple setup instructions that fit on a post card, which is the Field Guide!
LOTS OF BANDS - Coverage of 2 through 40 meters and UHF
NO LOSSY COILS - No lossy coils and no more figuring out where to move taps when tuning!
NO LOSSY TRAPS, ETC. - No lossy BalUn, UnUn, or Traps, as it is a V shaped dipole, with an angle that changes impedance from 72'ish ohms to 50'ish ohms.
EASY/FAST TUNING - Tuning takes less than 90 seconds when setting the length of the whip(s) to what it says on the included Field Guide.
SUPERIOR DX - Deploys as a Vertical antenna with low take-off angles that has given superior DX results over all other systems I have used.
RIGID DEPLOYMENT - It does not require support at either end when deployed as a rigid dipole.
MAXIMUM EFFICIENCY - Deploys as a full-size dipole, thus providing maximum efficiency.
EASY DEPLOYMENT - Using the included 1.25" mount or Alpha's optional tripods, the dipole deploys easily and high on my mast for excellent DX or low for predictable/repeatable NVIS results, with results that embarrass all other systems I have used.
SMALL PACKAGE - Fits in a zippered 26x5x5-inch bag that has a shoulder strap.
Although I do not have it, there is even a Yagi option that fits in the 26-inch bag, with the exception of the boom!!
Basically, this portable HF VHF UHF antenna exceeds all of my expectations and support has also been far above anything I have ever experienced (no matter what the product/manufacturer/etc). |
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| AC9O |
Rating: |
2021-10-02 | |
| Great Portable Antenna, Easy to use and performs very well |
Time Owned: 0 to 3 months. |
Based on the reviews, I acquired a Hextenna to use on portable ops such as POTA (Parks On The Air). The day it arrived, I unpacked the antenna and it’s very sturdy tripod. I took it out in the back yard and did some initial checking with my analyzer and as expected, it resonated nicely on all bands 40 thru 6. The lengths specified in the instructions were very close except for 30 and 40 meters. I checked the length of the add-on wires and they may have been cut long. I shortened the whips and then got good readings there too.
I then got on the air. Strong signals on 20 meters. Ran across a Brazilian station that was 59 so I gave him a call and he came right back to me with a 57 report. I was only running an Icom 703+ with 10 watts. Pretty impressive! I went on to make several other POTA contacts as a hunter and was able to get through to most of the stations pretty easily. This was a good dry run before going out in the field.
At first glance it appears to be a bit unwieldy to set up and adjust, but that wasn’t the case. I laid the antenna on it’s side to adjust the lengths and then put it back upright. I use a long tape measure, pinning the end to the ground at the hub and measure the length for the band I will operate. I marked the settings for each band with a piece of tape so I can quickly adjust to the operating band desired.
If it’s very windy, I would recommend hanging a weight from the center hook of the tripod or use some guying.
I originally was using a mag loop antenna, and it worked great. But to QSY within a band was a hassle. With the Hextenna, I can operate pretty much across the band without worrying about the setting. Small adjustments can be made without leaning it over by pushing the bottom section of the whips in and out as needed.
I haven’t had a chance to try it in the vertical configuration but would expect it to perform well there too. A counterpoise wire is provided.
All in all very pleased with the antenna, ease of assembly, ease of transport in its case and its performance. It will be with me on my next POTA trip.
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| K7HN |
Rating: |
2021-08-14 | |
| HF, VHF, UHF. QRP to QRO! Amazing! |
Time Owned: 0 to 3 months. |
I’ve tested many antennas in my life. From Chameleon’s loop and 2.0 MPAS vertical to multiple other remote antennas.
The Hextenna is The best remote Antenna made in the world today.
The whips are angled to change the naturally occurring 72 ohm dipole component to 50 ohms. No external tuner needed.
HF, VHF and UHF with flat SWR curves to keep a solid state amplifier happy.
QRP to QRO and goes up in minutes. I was amazed as to its simplicity.
My full review on this product can be found on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/fpXH763s8qw
Here’s what astounds me about the Hextenna:
1. EASY to set up.
The antenna whips are the key.
Their lengths and configuration determine if you’re working HF, VHF or UHF with no external tuner required.
Alpha supplies you with a “whip length chart” that’s actually spot on for SWR.
It can be set up as a dipole or vertical and comes with a 31 foot long Counterpoise.
2. QUALITY.
The Hextenna is built in mind for POTA/SOTA/IOTA, Field Day and remote operators who will be using it in conditions that sometimes are less than ideal.
The Hextenna head is carbon fiber infused and the stainless steel whips, which extend out to 17‘9“, are exceptionally strong. The end section of the whips are an astounding 1/4” thick!
It’s very built to last.
3. Simplicity of deployment.
I had the Hextenna out of the bag, up and operating with an SWR curve that would keep any solid-state amplifier happy on any band it covers within three minutes.
This is the “keep it simple stupid antenna.“
4. Value.
The Hextenna replaces up to FOUR separate antennas. it will work 440 MHz UHF, 220 MHz, 2m VHF and 20m-10m HF.
There are currently 3 options for the Hextenna:
1. HD Tripod. I believe this is the best tripod available in ham radio today. It’s made in the USA and is of quality construction.
It takes less than 30 seconds to fully set the tripod.
The Hextenna core screws right into the top of the Tripod and keeps it stable.
The Tripod Option is a “must buy” in my opinion.
2. 30m-40m add on kit. The 30 and 40 m kit comes complete with no measuring required radiators.
You simply clip the elements onto the ends of the fully extended whips, go to the ground with their supported element end stakes and you’re working 30 and 40m.
3. Yagi Kit: The Yagi Kit lets you have a true directional beam antenna for the 2m VHF and 20m - 10m HF bands.
The Yagi Kit gives you an additional Hextenna carbon fiber infused core, two additional HD stainless steel whips and the mounting base already measured for the Yagi Hextenna.
You just screw the Yagi beam onto the tripod (or adjustable mast), screw each Hextenna head onto the beam, then adjust the whips based on Alphas supplied length chart for the director and reflector elements for 2m and any HF band from 20m to 10m. Do a little “fine tuning” if you wish and it flat out works without an external tuner.
This gives you a real Directional beam Antenna wherever you go.
There’s nothing that competes with it.
From QRP all the way up to 1500 W QRO. It flat out works.
I found it to be the easiest to deploy remote antenna I’ve ever used. It’s the best performing remote antenna I’ve had the pleasure of testing.
Larry
de K7HN
YouTube: Ham Radio Live!
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| KC3JAS |
Rating: |
2021-08-12 | |
| Alpha Hextenna my “go to” Parks on the Air Antenna |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
My Alpha Hextenna has traveled with me across three States, making over 10,000 POTA contacts, 119 activations at 48 different parks. It is easy to set up and tune; and remains stable even in strong winds, rain or snow, and I have activated in all of these conditions!
I have made DX contacts to Europe, South America, Alaska and the West Coast of the US, all from my home State of Pennsylvania.
My antenna is currently close to 3 years old, and the radiating elements still slide well and remain where you want them. While working on Rapid deployment activations, the antenna can be set up and taken down in 5 minutes or less.
While activating, if I am not getting many contacts, I know it has to be the band conditions, not the antenna!
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| KE6MIL |
Rating: |
2020-12-10 | |
| Excellent antenna, fast and easy deployment |
Time Owned: 0 to 3 months. |
I wanted this antenna from Alpha Antennas a few days before a Thanksgiving camping trip. Being a procrastinator, I waited until the last minute to placed the order; long story short, the owner of the company intervened, expedited the production process and The Hex showed up at my doorstep on time as promised. That’s service...!!!
Subsequently I took The Hex to Kodachrome Basin in Utah where I it was deployed as a dipole, on its tripod for three consecutive days of windy cold weather. During that time I made several QSO’s throughout the US, Canada and South America on 20m voice, also operated 40m FT8 and CW with the similar success and satisfaction.
I recommend the antenna to anyone who what’s an efficient, elegant, fast and easy to deploy antenna, backed by excellent service, with a personal touch.
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| NA1RH |
Rating: |
2019-06-14 | |
| A perfect antenna for Portable Operations with great results. |
Time Owned: 0 to 3 months. |
I picked up hextenna at Dayton 2019 and as soon as I came back from the hectic trip, I put it into action - woooah! what a great performer this antenna is! Amazing how even at that height on a tripod it performs so well. You have the flexibility of making it a vertical, dipole or yagi. You can also make a delta loop out of the kit.
The whips are laser engraved and I love the quality of every component provided in this package.
I don't think you can find many companies like Alpha Antenna -They won't release the product unless they are happy about the quality of their product. They stand behind their product and ensure that the customers are 100% happy with their purchase. I was given all the information. I found out that the SWR plots provided in the marketing materials closely matched my own measurements.
Last but not least, I want to give a shout out to the man behind Alpha Antenna - Steve Deines (N0TES) - a wonderful human being. He came back from a serious accident and built the company....read all about it here..... http://alphaantenna.com/index.php?main_page=about_us
Steve is an inspiration to everyone - as a great human being, as a Ham, as a friend and also as to how you should run a business ethically!
go get your hextenna - you will not be disappointed. |
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| WA7JFO |
Rating: |
2019-04-30 | |
| What a difference!! |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
I purchased the original version in February of 2013 and just received the 2019 version that’s now a Dipole and a Vertical, as well as a Yagi when two or more are deployed together. This system now operates on VHF/UHF/HF and has been given a name, which is the HexTenna. Also, it is rated and handles full legal limit! This is a full sized system, yet I can still mount it on my deck with the included Top of Mast Mount. This system has much better performance than anything I’ve ever encountered! My initial QSO's were on 20 meters, which included OM7CM in Slovakia and a station in Cuba, and now I am having QSOs with South Africa, Japan, Russia, and so many more! My entire setup has been updated to include the HD-Tripod from Alpha Antenna along with their Expedition bag. Everything (the tripod, a pair of really heavy duty stainless steel telescopic whips, the HexTenna hub, etc) fits into the bag from Alpha Antenna that is about two feet long. I still even have enough room left over in the Expedition bag for my battery, coax, power supply, and Ft-817ND. Alpha’s support is legendary, and my experience with the Alpha Team over the years has been outstanding!
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Earlier 5-star review posted by WA7JFO on 2013-02-28
Finally, a 6-80 meter dipole that I can put on my deck. The manufacturer web site says to expect mobile type results from this 10 foot long antenna, which my experience has shown me is about right. Some examples of my QSO's on 20 meters from yesterday include OM7CM in Slovakia who gave me a signal report of S3 and a station Cuba who reported me at an S5. State side I am getting signal reports averaging an S7 on 40 and 17 Meters. My entire setup includes a tripod from Alpha Antenna along with their bag and mount. Now everything (the tripod, a pair of really heavy duty stainless steel telescopic whips, and the Alpha Match) fits into the bag from Alpha Antenna that is little more than two feet long. I even had enough room left over in the bag for my battery, coax, Radio Shack power supply, and Ft-817ND with RM Italy amp. |
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