Manager


Manager - NA4M
Manager Notes

Reviews For: Shimizu SA-231

Category: Antennas: VHF/UHF+ Directional (Yagi, quad, etc.)

eMail Subscription

Registered users are allowed to subscribe to specific review topics and receive eMail notifications when new reviews are posted.
Review Summary For : Shimizu SA-231
Reviews: 1MSRP: 55
Description:
23cm (1296) 7 el. quad antenna
Product is in production
More Info: http://www.shimizu-e.co.jp/syouhin.htm
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
0015
K7VO Rating: 2006-06-25
Neat little antenna. Ideal for rover or limited space. Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I imported the Shimizu SA-231 directly from Japan -- it is not sold at U.S. dealers, which is a pity. It's a neatly made 7 el. quad for 23cm. It's extremely small and light, suitable for attaching a handle for handheld operation while roving or mounting on a short mast. Note that mounting hardware is not included. There is a hole at the end of the sqaure boom that you can use to attach whatever handle or mounting solution is appropriate for you.

I've used this antenna with a 1W FM rig (Kenwood TR-50) to pick up a few extra QSOs and multipliers during VHF and UHF contests and I've been pleasantly surprised at what I've been able to work. A 1296 SSB/CW rig is in my not too distant future and then I will really be able to put this antenna to the test. However, based on my results over the past year and a half I know I won't be disappnted.

If I have any quibble it's with the little run on mini-coax and the SMA connector provided. The manufacturer clearly expected this antenna to be used with an HT. I suspect the coax is quite lossy, even with the short length at this frequency. I've used an SMA-to-BNC adapter (my rig has a BNC connector) and yet another jumper made from low loss coax to make this thing functional. It has worked out well but I wonder if it would work even better if I eliminated the factory provided coax and connector. Hmmm...

Anyway, I've been impressed with the quality and performance of this little antenna. It's ideal for a rover or portable station adding 23cm to their arsenal. I think I'm going to have to import their 70cm quad as well.