Manager


Manager - NA4M
Manager Notes

Reviews For: Pacific Antenna TennaDipper II

Category: Antenna Analyzers

eMail Subscription

Registered users are allowed to subscribe to specific review topics and receive eMail notifications when new reviews are posted.
Review Summary For : Pacific Antenna TennaDipper II
Reviews: 2MSRP: $45
Description:
The TennaDipper provides a simple means of determining the 50 ohm resonant frequency of an HF antenna or antenna tuner. Tuning range: ~3 MHz to ~30 MHz in two ranges. Four digit digital display with display shift down to 100Hz. Current draw is approximately 50mA. Powered by internal 9V battery. 2.75" x 4.5" x 1" and weighs 5 ounces with battery. Ideal for portable use Includes a circuit board, all parts, a case and front panel overlay. Note: the plastic case is blank and requires some drilling and cutting. (see manual for details) Applications: Trimming length of a resonant dipole antenna. QRM free adjustment of antenna tuners and antennas. Adjusting short, portable vertical antennas.
Product is in production
More Info: http://qrpkits.com/tennadipperII.html
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
0025
NC0Q Rating: 2022-07-14
Perfect for manually tuned magnetic loop. Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
The circuit builds very easily, with only one SMD component. The one I just built went together in about three hours, with a third of that time spent on the case, which actually turned out pretty nice.

I was concerned that the frequency-setting potentiometer might be too touchy for the application, but in practice the end user for whom I built it has no trouble dialing it in exactly where he wants to tune his manually-tuned (vacuum variable cap) magnetic loop antenna. The LED is plenty bright enough to be visible in daylight (unlike the screen of a nanoVNA) and goes out completely when the loop is tuned. Those who want to trim dipoles may need to settle for a dim/flickering LED rather than a completely extinguished one, because the TennaDipper really wants to see 50 ohms resistive before it indicates a perfect match. For instance, a low 40 meter dipole with a complex impedance of around 35 ohms (like mine) will still show a noticeable enough dip to make it a viable tool for testing/trimming wire antennas.

I am actually very impressed with this unit. It is very easy to operate and does its job very well. I may end up getting one for myself!

Short YouTube video:
https://youtu.be/SelCIyqd2t8
W2XS Rating: 2020-04-15
Nice little kit Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I saw this in the March 2020 issue of QST and thought that it would be a great addition to the things I needed for an upcoming EFHW antenna build-a-thon. It would allow us to adjust the antenna wire length in the field and see where it resonated. I had a similar experience to that of the QST author N1II. The kit worked upon first power up and passed all tests. An extra 49.9 ohm resistor is included to check that the "match" LED goes out with proper termination. The instructions are clear - and one important point is to check that the PDF print screen says "Actual Size" instead of "Fit" before printing the drilling template for the case. (Don't ask me why I'm emphasizing that). I had a paper hole punch but it was too big for several of the holes in the overlay and I had to use a razor knife. A drill bit does not work. Anyway, the overlay covers most of the drilling issues and the device works fine. I am anxious to get out in the field and try it out. 73, and be safe out there. John W2XS