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Reviews For: The Screwdriver Model 2400

Category: Antennas: HF Mobile & Accessories

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Review Summary For : The Screwdriver Model 2400
Reviews: 2MSRP: $379.00
Description:
The screwdriver model 2400 is a 2ft tall screwdriver antenna
that will cover 10 thru 80 meters, with a power rating of
1500 watts continuous power.n The antenna comes with the
mount,and digital memory controller, and all the wire to
install it. The digital memory controll has 99 user
reprogramable memory locations. and a 4 digit display to
let you know the exact location of the antenna coil,
it is the most user friendly memory controller on the
market. The antenna has a fiberglass coil for that has a
wall thickness of 1/4 inch.
Product is not in production
More Info:
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
0025
N0EW Rating: 2005-01-30
Built to Last at 1500-w Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
This is an extremely well-built antenna. I have this mounted on my 18-wheeler and have already put well over 50,000 miles on it over all kinds of highway conditions. This antenna is tough as nails, although you will want to make sure the support is well braced.

Over all these miles I have only had two problems, both of which Lee fixed at no cost. Vibrations did loosen the antenna but Lee has now added a nylon washer which appears to hold well. The other problem was the result of water entering the top of the weather shield where the whip antenna element attaches. I know I twisted this top stud which likely broke the seal allowing water inside. There are such tight tolerances between the moving parts this caused too much friction and the motor began to move inside its housing. So, if you do twist the top stud while mounting or removing your whip be certain to reseal it with RTV (widely available at auto part stores).

Sizes range from 24" through 48" but the coil is the same 14" for all his designs. The controller comes with the antenna and is very easy to use. The programmable memories are a time saver and changing bands is fast and simple.

Lee ke4vsk has done a great job designing this antenna (www.thescrewdriver.com). Push 1,500 CW into this if you like, you won't hurt it!

It is sold as a complete package, including u-bolts for mounting. This requires you have a post of some sort in a vertical orientation, or alternately you can plan to bolt-mount to a 4-hole plate you have made. I have found some of the hand rails and mirror brackets I've mounted to are a little too small in diameter, so I have added a short piece of scrap copper pipe between the mounting plate and the hand rail/mirror bracket. This works fine, and I've never had any problems with it coming lose. However, for the strongest mounting have a plate made and bolt the antenna mount to that directly.

In short (if that is now possible!) buy this antenna if you want a durable screwdriver antenna, that is easy to use, well designed, comes with just about everything you need to get on the air, and that can take a full 1,500-watts.

You need to supply: (1) transceiver, (2) coax, (3) standard whip antenna (4- to 6-feet long), (4) a running vehicle, and (5) a mounting point on your vehicle -- either a vertical pipe or a vertical plate about 6"x8".

Oh yes, you may select what color you wish. He hasn't yet found a surable clear coat however, so I've gone with black figuring that'll match any vehicle I may own in the future.
N0MBW Rating: 2004-06-13
WONDERFUL PRODUCT Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I have used several different Screwdriver antennas and I have been most satisfied with the Model 2400. First, all you get with all other antennas is a cheap plastic box and a rocker switch to control the antenna. The 2400 comes with a memory controller with 99 memories and most important dynamic bracking, no motor overrun. The counter resolution is 100 counts per inch. I have mine mounted on the roof of my 1993 Dodge Caravan with a 54" fiberglass whip. I cover 80 thru 10 meters with a very flat SWR accross it's entire operating range. Very well built, the tube is hardcase copper and the coil is wound on a fiberglass form with a 1500 watt rating. This antenna is the brick outhouse of screwdriver antennas. The design has been well thought out. The motor is 40 inch pounds strong as compaired to the wimpy 1.5 inch pound Pitman motor that some of the other builders are so proud of. I will be purchasing another 2400 for my other van as soon as I can afford it.