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Reviews For: EmComm-Products RADS 9-11/A

Category: Antennas: HF Portable (not mobile)

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Review Summary For : EmComm-Products RADS 9-11/A
Reviews: 10MSRP: 398.00
Description:
Man-Portable combo HF-NVIS & U/VHF system, designed for rapid deployment by one or two persons under emergency field conditions; on ANY surface. Handles 200W U/VHF, 250W PEP HF.
Product is in production
More Info: http://www.emcomm-products.com
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
00105
NJ2X Rating: 2020-08-27
Reliable and effective even after 10 years of use! Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I purchased my EmComm-Products RADS 9-11/A more than ten years ago. It has been a pleasure to use. Easy to transport, setup, operate, and tear-down.

I used my antenna for field operations for mini-DX expeditions, camping trips, field-day, and teaching amateur radio to non-hams. It has been ideal for my purposes.

Haven't had any issues until recently when one of the 20m elements developed an intermittent connection due to salt-water corrosion. This was easily repaired.

Pros
- Well designed and built
- Portability - everything packs down into a nice bag
- Durability - 10 years of use and still going!
- Easy of use - two people can set it up in about a half-hour
- Cost effective
- Rotatable dipole - directional, easy to rotate manually with a bit of cord tied to one end of the dipole
- Multiband - HF, VHF, UHF all on one mast
- Fun antenna to take camping or on mini-DX expeditions

Cons
- Sadly, the company is no longer in business so no support, documentation, or replacement parts
- Care is required when setting up and tearing down to protect the fiberglass mast from damage. Minor con.


Bottom line, I would buy this antenna all over again if the company was still in business. It has been an excellent value and a blast to use. I highly recommend this antenna should you find a serviceable used one for sale.

FYI - I have several articles and photos on my website (nj2x.com) related to my EmComm-Products RADS 9-11/A antenna in action.

73,

NJ2X
W7JRK Rating: 2008-08-11
Great portable antenna and wonderful customer service Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I used the RADS 9-11/A1 a couple weekends ago from the campground and was amazed at how easy it was to put up. With just the instructions included in the bag and my 14 year old son, we were able to put it up and get on the air in literally 15 minutes. The construction and quality of the materials are top notch and for NVIS use, I was able to check into all of the WA state area 75/80 meter nets from the picnic table with 50 watts and a battery pack.

The customer service I've received from EmComm products has been top notch as well. Although I had to wait a few weeks for my antenna (it does take time to hand build the antenna, and they don't make it until you order it and I was a little close to Field Day for getting my order in) they were very prompt and upfront with communications on the status and timing of my order. I have since order the inverted-v attachment for the RADS 9-11/A1, and even with all of the wildfires in their area, I'm still receiving almost daily status updates on my order.
WX7S Rating: 2005-03-30
Excellent - Highly Recommended Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I've used the RADS 9-11/A antenna for over a year now and I have to say that it has a permanent place in my 4X4. I'm part of 4X4 SAR as well as ARES/RACES and I'm also doing a lot of traveling. The RADS antenna is simple, easy to use, and very effective.

One of the tests I've run with it has been to use it with SGC's SG-303 & 307 whips and an SGC Smartuner (The SG-237 was the best of several) and it worked exceptionally well. I was able to operate VHF and HF at the same time and move rapidly around the bands as needed. Last year I set it up at Field Day and used it to operate on VHF and on PSK-31 with excellent results.

I've shown this antenna off to a number of people who are looking for a quick setup antenna that handles VHF and HF simultaneously from the field. If you're looking for that combination, then this is the antenna to get.
K7BHB Rating: 2004-12-01
Tremendous value! Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Various leadership positions within ARES/RACES have taught me the absolute necessity of understanding and implementing NVIS antenna systems.

I have built and tested many prototypes from common hardware store components with great success; however, in the real world, problems result from the use of non-standard and non-durable materials; others have trouble finding similar materials, and duplicating designs, or just don't possess the fabrication skills necessary to get acceptable results.

The RADS 9-11/A system solves all of the above problems. For not much more than you would spend (waste?) trying to build something that would work, and last, you get top quality components and everything you need for any anticipated ARES missions: Regional HF, U/VHF, APRS, packet, pactor, cross-banding, etc.

The system readily lends itself to fixed site installation as well, using cross-wire dipole elements, making it ideal for stations located permanently at an EOC.

Adoption of a standardized system like the RADS 9-11/A within an ARES/RACES District or Section also yields the benefit that, once trained, folks from anywhere can help with installation and operation during disasters, or drills.

So, have fun experimenting and learning about NVIS; but, when its time to get serious about the mission, durability, and inter-operability, you need look no futher than the RADS 9-11/A.
KD7GMK Rating: 2004-11-17
Effective ARES Field Antenna Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I recently acquired the RADS 9-11A for field use with my ARES group. I was looking for something that was easily erected in the field, with minimum effort and no worries about having the right tools. The antenna is everything is advertised to be, I set mine up in minutes by myself. Was able to hit repeaters 50 miles away w/o problems.
AB7ZQ Rating: 2004-11-08
Easy to Handle Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
It is easy for me to put up and take down. I have been wanting a good portable setup for a long time.
AC7ZQ Rating: 2004-11-08
Easy to use Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
It is easy to use and the types of hamsticks used allow you to pre-set tuning for the frequency you are most likely to use. Then all you have to do is switch hamsticks to quickly switch frequencies.

It is definitely worth the cost.
N7LQD Rating: 2004-11-02
Get what you pay for Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
We used it last field-day with an FT-817 and made dozens of contacts. This system, a battery, a QRP rig and you're in business, but it will handle much more power. Installation is simple, quick and very reliable. Our ARES group has grown to 3 units between members.
KK7TT Rating: 2004-11-02
Quality product and works! Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
Great product and Company. Everything you need for your emergency antenna for ARES. Nothing missing and easy to assemble.
W7ILD Rating: 2004-11-01
At last a product that does as advertised! Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
One of the few products that does as advertised! Not a disappointment in any way and worth the money. There are many products that fit this need for less money but the "package" is complete and works for the ultimate emergency deployment system! What more could you ask for? The company is very upfront and will answer all your question honestly and openly.