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Reviews For: Cushcraft AR-270 2m/70cm two element collinear

Category: Antennas: VHF/UHF+ Omnidirectional: verticals, mobile, etc

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Review Summary For : Cushcraft AR-270 2m/70cm two element collinear
Reviews: 22MSRP: 149.95
Description:
Dual-band 2m/70cm two element collinear vertical
Product is in production
More Info:
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
00224.1
KE7EJF Rating: 2006-09-22
Great Antenna Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
I replaced my ARX-2 with an AR-270 because I went dual band and what a difference. I work alot of simplex and can hear and talk to mobiles 40 miles away with my antenna only about 25 feet in the air.
I hardley ever use my 2m beam anymore.
NE5B Rating: 2005-11-21
Great Anteanna for 10 years Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I bought my AR270 in 1994, it went together like a charm, and worked flawlessly at 4 different QTHs. That was until a few days ago when I noticed I wasn't getting into 440 Repeaters 35 miles away like I had the week before. Also on Packet more retries were necessary than in previous weeks. Using my MFJ259 I found that SWRs on 2m band where high - however were 1:1 up above 152mhz. Took antenna down and found that plastic cap on top was cracked and water was in verticle element. Emptied water checked SWR still high, adjusted antenna to compensate, but SWRs still over 3:1 on 2m. Drain hole appears to of been plugged by a spider or other web wielding insect.

Looking for solution to problem, hopefully something I can replace at fraction of the cost of a new antenna.

Even if antenna is history I still rate it as a good performer, working with no problem for over 10 years.

Regarding earlier review comparing it to a dummy load - I've found that close proximity to other antennas and trees (especially in Spring) can result in SWRs still looking good by all RF being absorbed by other antenna or tree....

Note picture here on Eham is that of the AR270B
Here's the manuals
AR270
http://www.cushcraft.com/support/pdf/ar-270.pdf

AR270B
http://www.cushcraft.com/support/pdf/ar270b.pdf

73 Ben - ne5B
KILOWATT Rating: 2005-10-10
Secret to Longevity Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I've had mine up and running in a salt environment(Pacific Ocean) for the past 6 years with no problems whatsoever. The secret? After it was assembled and fine tuned, I then sanded it down very well and then shot it with about 10 coats of clear lacquer. It's as shiny as the day I purchased it and probably will be for years to come.

KA5ROW Rating: 2005-07-12
Ok Antennas but could be better Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
First of it was very easy to assemble. The instruction manual was easy to follow and I was able to get through assembly process quickly But as with all Cushcraft antennas they need to be built with heavier duty aluminum. I know I have 4 antennas a 32-19-B 2 meter boomer a 5 el 6 meter beam, ARX2B, and this one. All are lacking in heavier construction. I would compare Cushcraft antennas to a construction site you used 2x4s when you should have used 2x6s The building looks the same until the storm comes. electrically they all perform well. I will give a extra point in my rating just because Cushcraft doesn't claim they are heavy duty.
K2TF Rating: 2005-06-01
Not bad Time Owned: more than 12 months.
This antenna went together without any problems. I have it in the attic where it works suprisingly "good". There are better antennas out there, but at a much higher cost. For the money I'm very satisfied.
N6AJR Rating: 2005-05-31
pretty darn good Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Mine has been up for about 5 years, survived up to 100 mph winds, and still works like a top. put to gether as per instructions, and works good on 2m and 440,,

I also have several 2m and 440 beams, ( biggest is 17 ele 2m and 27 ele 440 , plus a couple of rh and lh circular polerized antennas and such,) but for a ground plane antenna this is fine.


it ain't a beam , it a vert. works good for a vert, good match, lasts long time.. a 5 in my book
KJ4XX Rating: 2005-05-31
Terrible in Test Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
I bought two...had terrible luck and thought it was my location since Ringo Ranger II had always worked well on two meters. Had other ham put this antenna same height next to workman duel bander...man.....how sad....almost a dummy load!!One of the 270's was even made wrong....do NOT buy this antenna
W8RJB Rating: 2005-01-29
AR 270B Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I found this antenna to be an oustanding antenna.

First of it was very very easy to assemble. The instruction manual was easy to follow and was able to get through assesmbly in less that 30 min.

It transmits and recieves great. I can get out, as far as I know, 60 miles south at 50 watts. I have it on a chimeny mount about 50 feet off of the ground.

Works great on both 2m and 440...

I would really reccomend this antenna to anyone that wants a nice, easy to assemble antenna, that has good gain and TX and RX's well.
KD5WQS Rating: 2003-05-25
Works as Advertised Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
While this is not the ultimate "perfect" power antenna, for the cost its value can not be beat.

Instructions were clear and concise and I was able to achieve a near perfect SWR ratio first time out.

I was alittle concerned based on previous emails about the QA process but the unit I purchased was perfect.

I would recommend this unit for a small, unintrusive dual band antenna that works very well.

73,,,
KD5WQS
KB1GGS Rating: 2002-12-02
Not pleased Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I set up the antenna according to the measurements in the instruction manual. I didn't have any trouble assembling the antenna, because the instructions were very good. I used the antenna for 2m for about a year before getting a dual bander rig. 2m SWR was very good, only on the very low part of the band would the SWR go above 2:1. After I purchased the dual bander, I found I could not use 70cm, SWR too high 2.5:1 and higher!(at one point the cross needles were almost straight up). Very difficult antenna to adjust SWR. After quite a few trips up the ladder to the roof top to try to adjust, I gave up and replaced the antenna with a Comet GP-15. Problems solved.