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Reviews For: HyGain 105CA

Category: Antennas: HF: Yagi, Quad, Rotary dipole, LPDA

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Review Summary For : HyGain 105CA
Reviews: 6MSRP: 289.95
Description:
10M monoband Yagi
Product is in production
More Info: http://www.hy-gain.com
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
0064.3
W6DQ Rating: 2023-05-24
Another MFJ product that still needs some work ... Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I really like HyGain products ... I've had them for 50+ years. But since MFJ took over the line, there seem to be some common issues. You can see my review on the LJ-203 where I describe some similar problems.

Opening the box and doing inventory, all present and accounted for. Good start. When it came to assembling the Beta match, the problems arose. The boom clamps were not designed to go around a two inch boom. Not sure what they were designed for. So, like the other Hy-Gain Yagi I have (LJ-203CA) I had to re-engineer the parts so that they will even work. Then, the Beta rods were too long on the flat area where they attach to the driven element. I had to remove roughly an 1/8" of material so that they would fit without interference.

Moving on to assembling the elements, I ran into the exact same problem that I did with the LJ-203CA ... the element tips cannot be clamped in the swagged section, no matter how tight you make the clamps. Again, I have to take a hacksaw to the slots to widen them enough so that the sagged end will clamp down on the end.

Lastly, but certainly not least, the documentation. In looking at the dimensions of the assembly drawing for the elements versus what is listed in the parts list, there is a discrepancy. DE-2 and D1-2 are shown on the drawing as both being 58" length, meaning there should be FOUR of these parts. There are only two. The parts list shows two.

Once I get past the assembly issues, I am very hopeful that this antenna will perform as well as I anticipate it should.

Once in the air and in use, I will add a followup to this review. But for now, I'm very frustrated with Hy-Gain (MFJ) QA. This particular antenna has been in production for quite a long time ... I remember them being around back in the late 60's when I first was licensed. I would expect that they would get things right after this length of time.
W1XYZ Rating: 2015-05-28
300+ countries over 25 years Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Up in the air for over 25 years! NO problems. Worked 300+ on ten. Usable (with tuner) on FM and AM portions of the band. Worked JA with converted CB 3W AM QSO 59. Worked Ascension Island running 1mW SSB (transverter output) which I would think is a record. Easy to assemble. Easy to put up. Lasts a long time. Would definitely buy again, but this doesn't seem likely as my last inspection suggests it ought to be good for another 25 years.
OD5ZZ Rating: 2013-11-08
perfect Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
I purchased one few months ago and never regret I did , I was able to get 5 9+60 reports into the State side as well as many other DX countries , I use it almost daily DX'ing and reports been amazing.

Construction was straight forward , all parts present

I highly recommend it .
K7ULS Rating: 2011-10-14
Great antenna Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Great antenna took 3 hrs to assemble in my shop then I use it portable at 9000' on the Bronco. First weekend out with just 100 watts made 520 qso's and 12 new DXCC to EU and OC. Had the antenna get encased in ice from a snowstorm and the swr went into orbit but once it melted everthing was ok also use the BN-4000B balun. With the increase in sunspots this is an antenna to be reckoned with.
de K7ULS
VK3LMR Rating: 2009-12-12
Good for price Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Well it's got the performance of an 8.5db antenna, which is decent gain for a 5 ele on this boom length, due to the computer design with uneven element spacing. I setup a custom high gain setting and it came out exactly as YG software predicted.

The boom clamp is heavy duty, MFJ sell it for $80 alone ! The mounting hardware is all stainless less and good quality, although a few holes had to be opened up with a drill.

The elements tips are flimsy and have slight bends in them. But on the other hand this antenna is very lightweight for its size.
The boom sags, not enough to effect performance at all, but I would prefer it with some boom support, it would look better and may handle high winds better. I think I will get around to supporting the boom one day.

For the price you can't beat it, it is good value and very usable. How durable it is I don't yet know. Mine is the newer MFJ version.
VE4MM Rating: 2003-11-24
Great Value! Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I have used this antenna for about 7 years (1990 - 1997). Great gain and I really like the Hy-Gain boom to mast clamp!

Quality is real good and SWR was low right off the bat.

MFJ should keep this antenna just the way Telex had it.

I won #1 North America Low Power SSB in the 1991 10 Meter Contest with this baby.

I have a brand new one which should go up at my Office next year.