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Reviews For: Hi-Z 4 Four Element Vertical Array Receive System

Category: Antennas: VLF/LF/HF Receive only

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Review Summary For : Hi-Z 4 Four Element Vertical Array Receive System
Reviews: 1MSRP: $800 (vertical elements not incl
Description:
From the Hi-Z website: This was designed to
connect 4 shortened antennas using Hi-Z amplifiers into a
directional receiving antenna. This new and unique
circuit configuration uses Tri-Phase combining for extra
accurate phasing and amplitude stability. This unit uses
only two delay lines and provides a form of time delay
phasing that provides more than one band coverage with
the Hi-Z elements. This unit was optimized for the 160
meter amateur band but can be used from below the
broadcast band to over 30MHz. A typical 80 foot square
layout of 20 foot tall elements and Hi-Z amplifiers can
provide 12.2 dB of Relative Directivity Factor and 30 dB
of front to back ratio on 160 meters. Of course the best
performance depends on the accuracy of the antenna
layout, the accuracy of the connecting and phasing
cables, and any interfering nearby structures. It also
requires two wires to switch between the 4 available
directions and one for +13.8 V power.
Product is in production
More Info: https://www.hizantennas.com/controller_4_elements.htm
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
0015
WD4ELG Rating: 2021-02-23
The gold standard in low band receiving Time Owned: more than 12 months.
UPDATED REVIEW 2021-FEB-22

Lee Strahan, K7TJR, is the ultimate professional and customer service specialist without equal. I encountered several issues with my four-element array in early January. Lee was highly responsive in helping me diagnose the issues. When he confirmed that there were some hardware problems, and I asked how much for replacement parts, he insisted that I send the pre-amps and control unit to him for repairs because it would save me money. Wow was he right. He diagnosed the issues and fixed everything like new very quickly, and it was minimal cost. Now THAT is customer service...almost a decade after I purchased the system. Lee, I am a customer FOR LIFE.

Before the unit developed issues in January, I was still having tremendous success. I worked VK6 long-path back in September on 80 meters CW, an hour before my sunset! And a whole bunch of other juicy grabs that were only possible because of the array.

I am a picky consumer. Trust me when I tell you that this is worth every penny, Lee supports the sale, and this thing really works.

I can't wait for the repaired boxes to arrive so I can get back to DXing as we approach the spring equinox!

I have no affiliation at all with Lee, HiZ antennas, or DX Engineering. But I am happy to share my experiences and answer any questions you have. You can contact me and I am happy to discuss: wd4elg@arrl.net. Of course, Lee is the expert who designed the system and he's highly responsive also :) k7tjr@msn.com

ORIGINAL REVIEW: 2019-AUG-26
BACKGROUND: this receiving array is similar to standard four-square arrays, of which there is plenty of detail in ON4UN Low Band DXing and ARRL Antenna Handbook. The twist with this design is that it does not need radials, and is much simpler to install. The phasing control is done with a phasing box at the center of the four elements, and the phasing selection is done by a simple logic box controller located in the shack.

As an Electrical Engineer, the concept of phased-arrays has fascinated me since my undergrad antennas classes (way back in 1984!)

I did a lot of research before I threw down $1K for this system (the price included the four vertical elements, 24 feet each). For reference, K3LR, at Contest University a couple of years ago, described how he uses an 8 element Hi-Z array and it consistently outperforms his beverages.

I purchased my system in 2012. I had it for 3 days in December of 2012 and fired it up on the long path to Asia on 80 meters SSB. I was able to hear a weak station, and it gradually peaked at S4 as my sunset approached. The call was XU1A! I worked him using my 132 foot Inverted L and 500 watts on transmit, and he was only audible on the Hi-Z array. Other stations were calling him from East Coast but the QSB prevented them from hearing him come back to them. This is my ONLY XU DX as of 2012, from 35 years of DXing! At that point, I KNEW this thing was a real performer.

I have focused my efforts on 80/160 DX since then. I have increased my DX count on those bands, consistently climbing above 100 and snagging each DXpedition that spent some time on 80/160...with some real prizes in some challenging conditions (thunderstorm static, heavy QSB).

Most recently, I have followed the efforts of DXers in Eastern Canada and NE US to work VK6 at our sunset, in the middle of our summer, on the 80 meter long path but WAY before actual sunset in the summertime. This remarkable prop path is repeated daily, and I was able to get through to VK6APZ about 15 minutes after the peak to New England/Quebec back in mid-July. UNBELIEVABLE!

My installation is less than optimal...among trees with some weeds and other stuff growing around the elements, located on the rural part of my property.

Still, the system works phenomenally for me on 80 and 160, excellent on 40. Also works on AM band and 630 meters (although not quite as well as 160).

One final comment - Lee Strahan/K7THR is the brains behind these systems. Not only is he an experienced engineer (decades of successful work), but his customer service skills are WITHOUT EQUAL. I have dealt with him at various times since I first purchased the system. You will not find a more competent, customer-focused professional than Lee. It is a pleasure to deal with him; he has spent many hours with me prior to and after the sale, to answer my questions and help me with my specific installation.

SUMMARY: this purchase is worth every penny, and comes with "white-glove" level support.