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Reviews For: GAP Titan

Category: Antennas: HF: Verticals; Wire; Loop

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Review Summary For : GAP Titan
Reviews: 192MSRP: titandx
Description:
Covers 10m 12m 15m 17m 20m 30m 40m and 100 KHz on 80m, & WARC
Product is in production
More Info: http://www.gapantenna.com
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
33.71924.4
SV2FPU Rating: 2007-11-01
Titan experiences / rating 4,2 Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I AM WRITING MY OPPINION ABOUT THIS VERTICAL ANTENNA AFTER ABOUT ONE AND A HALF YEAR THAT I BOUGHT TWO OF THEM (ONE FOR ME AND ONE FOR MY DX TEAM www.whitetowerdxt.com).GENERALLY IT IS A DIFFICULT UDERSTANDING VERTICAL WITH BAD MANUAL INSTRUCTIONS AND CHIP MATERIALS (CONNECTORS, ELEMENTS ETC).I BELIEVED THAT AFTER TWO TIMES I ISTALLED THE ANTENNA WITH MY TEAM WAS ABSOLUTELY OUT OF ORDER...!
BUT...UNFORTUNATELY THE THIRD TIME OF VERY VERY CAREFULLY INSTALLATION THE ANTENNA WORKS, AND WORKS VERY VERY GOOD!
GENTLEMEN, YOU MUST READ AND SEE THE MANUAL PICTURES CAREFULLY DURING THE INSTALLATION.
MY REPORTS ABOUT THE ANTENNA SWR AND BANDWITH AS FOLLOW:
1)10M 28000KHZ 2,0 , 28500 1,5 , 29000 1,0
2)12M 24890 - 24990KHZ LESS THAN 1,3
3)15M 21000KHZ 1,5 , 21200 1,2 , 21400 1,7
4)17M 18068 - 18168KHZ LESS THAN 1,3
5)20M 14000 - 14350KHZ LESS THAN 1,2
6)30M 10100 - 10150KHZ LESS THAN 1,3
7)40M 7000 - 7100KHZ 3,2 - 2,8 (IN THIS BAND THE CENTER OF THE FREQUENCY IS 7280 WITH 1,1 AND BANDWITH ABOUT 300KHZ)
8)80M (USING THE MIDDLE HAT CAPASITOR - 3600 TO 3700), 3500KHZ 3,5 - 3600 2,0 - 3700 1,1 3800 1,8

AFTER THE FINAL INSTALLATION HERE IT IS THE TIME FOR TESTING ABOUT TX/RX (TEST PERIOD 24-30 OCT 2007) :

USING 100W I MADE EASY THE FOLLOWING QSOs
(QTH THESSALONIKI CITY / NORTHERN GREECE)

C52C 18130 (THROUGH PILEUPS)

C52C 28512 (THROUGH PILEUPS)

V26TM 18071 (THROUGH PILEUPS)

HA8WZ 3511,2

OT4A 7001,4

VP5/WA2VYA 18070 (THROUGH PILEUP)

PR7AR 18076

JA8BBD 7001

PR7AR 18076

FINALLY I BELIEVE FOR ALL GAP TITAN OWNERS WHO HAVE PROBLEMS WITH THIS ANTENNA TO KEEP IN MIND THAT :
''YOU MUST INSTALL CAREFULLY USING STEP BY STEP THE ISTRUCTIONS MANUAL''

P.S. I AM/WAS OWNER OF THE FOLLOWING VERTICALS
A)CUSHCRAFT R 6000, R 7, R 8 B)DIAMOND CP 6

I AM AVAILABLE TO ANSWER IN ANY QUESTION...

TO BE CONTINUE...
(I WILL TRY TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM IN 10M AND 40M)
73
GIANNIS
SV2FPU
WWW.WHITETOWERDXT.COM
N8CGR Rating: 2007-10-24
Doesn't Work - Expensive Mistake Time Owned: more than 12 months.
This antenna might be useful for someone with a lot of knowledge and experience tuning multiband verticals. It is challenging to assemble as the instructions are ok but could be more clearly written. This antenna has been a huge disappointment as I've never gotten any band properly tuned. Because of it's weight and size, it's not easy to work on in any manner (on the ground or up in the air). I talked to GAP at Dayton and they tried to be helpful, but suggestions didn't work out. I've worked and worked and worked with it, and finally just took it down (with a lot of help). I bought it relying on the reviews, but wish I would have gotten something more simple to work with and "to work." If you want great performance and don't want to use up a lot of time, there have to be better choices for a vertical multiband HF antenna than the Titan.
KC2RGW Rating: 2007-09-05
Does what I expected Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I'll preface this by saying the ink is still drying on my license.

I was looking for a convenient and fast way to get on the air and also to have a vertical to switch between once I get my planned wire antennas in the trees. I've put up and played with a Titan at a friend's QTH and was satisfied with it there.

The construction quality was decent and the instructions were fair enough to get the job done. I would think they could save themselves support calls if they added more photos of the sub assembly details. I managed to get it done without a call in though, so that is a plus.

The convenience was paramount. I sleeved 2" PVC into a 4 foot 18 inch square hole filled with concrete as the base. I used some 1 1/4" pipe as the mast and have it mast mounted a bit over six feet off the ground. Just enough to clear way for mowing the lawn under the counterpoise hoop. The grey insulators won't fit over 1 1/4" pipe though so I only used the insulators on the antenna mast itself.

SWR's right out of the box were well within specs for my install. I ran an MFJ analyzer on it and decided the point here or there could just be tuned up with my tuner anyway. Well within spec though.

Band conditions have been horrible since I put it up but the contacts I've made on 40/20/17/15 have all given decent reports. Stating antenna performance without another one to compare it to is a bit foolish of course, but this one seems to do what I would expect for its design.

This isn't a miracle that warps the laws of physics. It is however a very convenient antenna to get assembled and on the air for people with limited space or those who want a vertical as yet another option to switch between.

For better performance I would have preferred to go with a Challenger or Voyageur or one of the other radial dependent models. However my property dictates that I installed the antenna on a steep slope so a no radial configuration was much nicer for my application.

I am pleased.
W3JK Rating: 2007-08-04
Great Antenna Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I have been using this antenna for the last couple of months. I have made contacts so far with 50+ DXCC prefixes. The antenna is a great pile-up buster. I took the very simple route and mounted the antenna just 2 feet above the ground. Its mounted on a 4ft long mast (2ft buried inside the ground). I havent guyed it or anything, it just sits pretty 2ft above the ground. I have also worked all States including alaska and hawaii. Truly a great antenna and puts out a big signal. I havent done any tuning after putting up the antenna. Just followed the instructions and the swr on 20 meters is 1:1. the needle doesnt move. Its also great on 40mtrs and 17mtrs too.
Remember a couple of things though ...
1. Its a vertical dipole. so dont compare it with a yagi. It will kick ass over any dipole antenna.
2. Pay antention to the instructions especially if you want to work 40mtrs with the counterpoise.
3. Your location matters too.
4. Get the mast that's 1 1/4" OD. It you get something at Home Depot that has 1 1/4" printed on it, its truly not 1 1/4 OD. Its slightly more.

So read and re-read their instructions clearly and you wont have issues. Its like putting up a fine piece of swiss watch to precision. I have seen some complaints here about the antenna not performing. Well, what can I say, I have uploaded my QSO's to LOTW and its the proof. Its always the operator stupid and dont blame the antenna.
If you plan on buying one, dont hesitate, you wont regret it. I have used other verticals and this one avoids all of those messy radials.
W6NYG Rating: 2007-06-18
GAP has great tech support Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
When you back out the self tapping screws in the mast sections burrs will occur. The easy method of solving the problem is use a regular machine screw in the same hole. The new screw should remove the burr.

The mast pieces slid out easy. I squirted some WD 40 to make it even easier.

I had problems calling GAP. The problem was I did not check to see if I copied their telephone number correctly. They respond on my first call.
Rich in tech support is truly a nice person and very patient. I gave GAP a bad grade for customer support when it was my error. They rate an A plus.

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Earlier 3-star review posted by W6NYG on 2007-06-15

I have a Titan DX that was used by a ham in Las Vegas NV. I need a good vertical and read the reviews.

I can emphatically state do not buy one if your
qth is in the desert.

The antenna I just took apart looks like it was in the Iraq war.

The center masts are frozen on to the PVC that is use as an insulator. It not only is frozen it is cracked. There is a ten inch crack in the PVC assembly. The crack is the result of several years in the desert.

The night mare problem is the coax cable inside the mast sections. It was damaged by someone. The jumper wires insulation are also a mess. The insulation can not take the heat and the insulation is cracking.

I would have to order from GAP a new center PVC assembly. I would guess that would run around $15 plus shipping. If I ordered new coax that is made to go inside the main mast I would be looking at $50.

I could make a PVC de coupler assembly. I only want to get on the air not design or rebuild an old antenna.

As it stands I explain to the ham find it a new home the time and trouble would make the antenna worth nothing.

I am not knocking the antennas performance or design under most installs. I just want to warn anyone not to bother with the Titan if they live in the desert like I do.
AL7B Rating: 2007-06-18
Junk Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I gave this antenna an honest try, installing it in several locations. I tried ground mounting and roof mounting in the hope it would perform. The SWR at all locations was OK, but the performance was poor.

For about the same amount of money one could buy an SGC SG-237 autotuner, put in a decent radial system and 35 foot wire antenna and have something that will actually work. I know because that is what I used to replace this big dummy load.

The antenna is now in the bone yard, to be used for other project. I could not sell it in good faith as worth anybody's money.

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Earlier 4-star review posted by AL7B on 2004-01-14

I have been using this antenna for about a year. It has been mounted near the ground and on the roof at about 15 feet above ground. At both locations its performance has been fair, but not outstanding

I have been surprised to see than my High Sierra mobile antenna mounted on a Ford Explorer constantly out performs the Titan.

The construction is good and is very solid. It has survived several 90 MPH wind storms and an Alaskan winter.

KB6HRT Rating: 2007-06-17
I'm just slow Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Got my GAP Titan last week and started building it last Thursday and was talking on it Sunday night, but it has been 106+ every day. This antenna does all that I want it to with very low SWR 10 through 80 meters, just where I want to use it. was sort of a pain to put on my A/C on the roof by my self but its up and guyed and working wonderful. One point worth mentioning the manual calls for using a 6' of 1" 1/4 ridig pipe 72" long that mast is part of the antenna so if you mount it on a A/C unit make sure you don't ground it. The mast has to be insulated from ground to get good SWR on 20 meters....KB6HRT and 73s to all..........
N4QNT Rating: 2007-05-14
Great Product! Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I recently moved to a new community where at least a vertical antenna is ok to install on my property. So I decided to go with the GAP Titan DX. I did the ground install with the PVC pipe into the hole with cement which makes it so convenient to slide the already mounted 1.25 OD mast with the antenna into the ground. The assembly process is simple with the easy to follow directions. SWR's on all bands are as advertised. Made my first New Zealand contact on 17 meters and in the middle of the QSO switched to my G5RV and could not be copied. Also, I feel after the sale it’s the service that counts! And after talking with Chris from GAP over the phone those words stand true.
KI4CRA Rating: 2007-04-22
Outstanding antenna Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I have had my GAP Titan DX up for just over 2 years now, upgrading from the GAP Challenger,(see my post on the GAP Challenger). When I erected the Titan I put it on a 10' mast on a tilt over mount, as we get some nasty storms called hurricanes here, with the tilt over mount all I have to do is un-guy it get my lovely wife out there and down it goes in less than 10 minutes.

When I originally purchased the antenna it came with the 3.8 cap, used that for several months and had great success on the low end of 75/80 meters. I wanted to try the high end so I made the short drive out to GAP,(I live approximately 15 miles from their business). Got the 3.9 cap from Rich, he said take it if you like it keep it but return the 3.8. So I used the 3.8 cap for several months and wound up getting the 3.8 back and putting that in. Rich did say that if I wanted to work the high end I could use a tuner but should NOT go over 100 watts, which I don't do if I'm using my tuner.

Some observations I have made over the last 2 years. My SWR on all bands is 1.4:1 or less, usually around 1.2:1, on 12 and 15 meters it is a flat 1:1 SWR, on 10 1.3:1 on 17 1.2:1, 20 meters, at 14.165 I have a 1.4:1, the higher I go the lower my SWR at 14.330 it is 1.2:1 40 meters at 7.153 it is 1.3:1 at 7.251 it is 1.2:1 and at 7.295 it is 1.1:1. On 75/80 meters now with the 3.8 cap at 3.600 my SWR is 1.9:1 it drops rapidly from there at 3.846 my SWR is 1.2:1, it starts climbing around 3.865 and at 3.890 it is back up to 1.9:1, now with my MFJ949E tuner I can get it flat from 3.890non up to 3.990. I have the utmost respect for Rich and his assistant Chris they have helped me with both of my GAP antennas, and I have helped them in various and sundry ways. Being the president of our local club (www.vbarc.net) it has been a great friendship going on 5 years now.

One thing I MUST make CLEAR, I DO NOT WORK FOR GAP,I GET NO MONIES FROM THEM (I am partially disabled and am not allowed to work!)
Rich backs up what he sells, in preformance and in customer service, if they don't get back to you in a timely manner,it means they are swamped either with orders or building antennas.

Look for us at Dayton, we'll be there. I usually take their equipment up a couple of days prior to the hamfest, try to get some of it set up. So see you in Dayton next month, and hope to catch you on the bands.

Mark AI4HO
WY4J Rating: 2007-04-08
Works as Advertized Time Owned: more than 12 months.
It's not a beam, is a bit noisier and the copy is not as good as a yagi. But heck, if you are stuck with owning a vertical antenna, this one is the way to go. The fact that you have coverage on 8 bands is not too shabby. One thing I noticed is that you get calls from stations that you almost cannot hear and your signal reports are much higher than what you are copying.

I purchased this antenna about 12 years ago. It sat on the tower for the 12 years I was absent from ham radio. I just became interested in the hobby again and I took it down for maintenance. Due to the salt air all the connections were corroded but his is a common occurence for South Florida.

I cleaned it, sanded it the corrosion off and added some Pentrox to the connections and I just could not believe how flat the SWR is across all the bands and I mean FLAT, except 80 meters where is usable from about 3.750 to 4.000.

One item of note is that the self tapping screws don't do well when you have to remove them as I did in order to clean the corrosion. They will bolt in tight so you are left with using a thicker screw or a bolt and nut.

Gap could have thought of adding a screw and nut and this would have solved the problem. Next time it come down, most likely I will go that route.

If you place it high on a tower, YOU HAVE TO GUY IT. I placed mine on a 40 foot Rhon 25G tower. It looked magnificent 70 feet up in the air But the first summer breeze that flew by bent the mast. The folks at Gap were very nice and sent me a replacement mast. This happened two weeks after I purchased it.

As far as the performance I rated 100% excellent. I would have rated it a perfect 5 if not for the self tapping screw issue.