| W9JH |
Rating:      |
2008-09-16 | |
| Great Antenna! – Reviewed in Sept 2008 CQ Magazine |
Time Owned: 3 to 6 months. |
The September 2008 CQ Magazine issue has a nice review on the TW2010 where the author, Gordon West, refers to the antenna as; “…a compact, five-band, high-frequency antenna that swings open in seconds and is fully deployed, with its own ground system, in less that five minutes.”
The reviews here on eHam for the TW-2010 have been 100% positive and I agree!
Starting from the packaging to the ease of assembly and great performance this is one great antenna. I bought it with two purposes in mind. First as a stealth installation in a CCR neighborhood, and second to take along in the motor home for camping and possibly field day.
I purchased the whole enchilada – antenna, quadpod, carrying case and Icom cable. After taking everything out of the excellent shipping containers the setup took maybe five minutes! The construction and design is first class and is extremely easy to setup and take down.
Anxious to give it a try I temporarily set it between two trees in the backyard so it would be somewhat hidden and only about 20 feet from the house. I then strung out the 65 foot control cable and a spare piece of coax. Then connected the cables (coax, control cable and 12vdc to the controller) and gave it a go. The SWR was 1.05:1 or less on ALL bands! So then a couple of CQs and that’s when it got interesting. When others heard what I was using for an antenna this created a mini-pileup as they could not believe this little antenna was putting out such a good signal with just 100 watts. I owe some of that to the efficiency of the antenna and excellent match. This is way more efficient than a screwdriver or other portable antennas that I had considered. And the construction quality is outstanding.
Looking forward to many years and fun QSOs with this gem! You won’t be disappointed.
73,
Jack – W9JH
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| NV7E |
Rating:      |
2008-08-29 | |
| Good Portable or Stealth Antenna |
Time Owned: 3 to 6 months. |
I used the TW2010 Traveler this year during my annual “reverse DXpedition” from South Africa to Nevada. I used the Buddipole in previous years there with limited success. The Buddipole tripod failed last year when a gust of wind came along, blowing the Buddipole down and breaking part of it. I knew I really had to find an alternative.
My first impression after receiving the TW2010 in Elko was that the TW2010 is a solid product, especially the Quadrapod, which is more solid than any other portable antenna base I know except the Penninger Tipper. The Quadrapod folds opens up and folds up again easily. I took the TW2010 out into the desert where I tuned it for the lower edges of the 20 thru 10 meter bands for CW. It performed well out there. I didn't have a linear with me this year, but it is nice to know that the Traveler won't blow out if I load moderately high power into it. You can put it up and take it apart in a couple of minutes. It doesn’t blow over in normal wind. If you mounted it on a chimney mast it would probably look to most people like a TV antenna. For this reason it would be a good choice where stealth is required.
The TW2010 comes with an optional carrying/storage bag which looks like a golf bag. It's not really a golf bag but designed especially for the TW2010. I ordered the optional control cable for my FT-897D, but the control box is so I easy to use that I never used the optional cable.
At Dayton this year TW Antennas had a booth. I wanted to order an extra 65' control cable which is mentioned on their web page but still has yet to appear for sale. The person at the booth pointed out that you can fashion a longer control cable using standard rotor cable and wiring it directly from the tuner on antenna to the control box. There are screw-in connectors inside the tuner and control box for that purpose.
The TW2010 loads nicely into a car trunk or back seat, but it is not as portable as I would like for air travel. You could probably take the TW2010 in the "golf bag" on the plane as a piece of luggage. The shipping cartons that the TW2010 and accessories arrive in are very solid, but because they are so big it costs a lot of money to send them by UPS if you ship them yourself. The shipping charge for the complete TW2010 set from TW Antennas to your continental U.S. address is a bargain at only $51.
In summary, the TW2010 is a good choice for portable operations where you can take it along in your car, or as a stealth antenna. I look forward to using it in Nevada again next year.
ZS6SIG
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| N2BR |
Rating:      |
2008-08-14 | |
| TW-2010 Travler Antenna |
Time Owned: 3 to 6 months. |
I use a TW 2010 antenna and have work many great contacts,I have work many as ussr poland yugo italy madeira islands algiers spain and many others on cw and ssb,Running 100 watts with the TW2010.I like it couse it easy to setup and no grand wires needed,I have mine in the middle of the back yard and its hard to see from the street and there nothing to block the view of it,My nabors dont understand what it is,I just tell them i hang flower pots on it.Al and all the Travler is a great antenna as it the only hf antenna i use.The travler will work 30 meters with a tuner but 20-10 meters no tuner needed.I been in ham radio for several years and have had several vertical antennas but none work as good as this little antenna does.Best antenna out there for the money and if you want to work DX it will do it.....
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| ECHOFOX |
Rating:      |
2008-08-10 | |
| Up in minutes..DX in minutes..down in minutes. |
Time Owned: 3 to 6 months. |
As I am badly antenna restricted, I work exclusively portable including 110v/220v portable and 9.6v too. In addition to other equipment, my "shack" consists of a Yaesu FT-897D, an FT-817ND, a Super Antennas MP-1 and a TW Antennas TW2010 Traveler.
The MP-1 is an excellent portable antenna. I have worked many places from many places with my Yaesus and MP-1 that I would not have been able to with a more "traditional" shack. While the MP-1 is a very good portable HF antenna in its stock, 6ft form, with an additional "mobile mast" element below the screwdriver/loading coil and a longer MFJ 10ft telescoping whip, my MP-1, in this 14ft configuration and mounted on a 3ft mount/mast along with "enough" ground radials, is an excellent performer and easily exhibits gain over the stock configuration.
The TW2010 Traveler is a comparable performer to the 14ft "version" of the MP-1. With the conditions that a solar flux of 65 brings and working portable for just a few hours per month, with enough coax to connect only one antenna at a time, it has been difficult to "A/B" test the MP-1 and TW2010. However, from what tests that I have been able to do and from observation, these antennas perform similarly.
The advantage of the MP-1 is, of course, portability. In its stock 6ft form, the MP-1 disassembles and collapses to 1ft. With an additional 2ft mast element and the MFJ 10ft telescoping whip, disassembled and collapsed, it is still only 2ft in length and weighs about 2lbs. The MP-1 is also quite configurable with its ability to use a variety of masts, whips and mounts with its universal mount and tripod. Unlike the TW2010, the MP-1 will also tune 40m.
The advantage of the TW2010 is its ease of use and robustness. This antenna is VERY well made and thoughtfully designed. Basically, the antenna consists of three pieces and a quadrapod base that slide into each other and the base. The two "arms" of each of the two capacitor hats are hinged and are easily opened and locked into place.
20-25 knot gusts are enough to sway the longer MP-1 until the locking joint of its universal mount loosens and the antenna falls over. On one gusty occasion, my MP-1 teetering over from its pivot, the 10ft MFJ whip broke against the ground. That 10ft whip is now an 8ft whip. The TW2010 just looked at the fallen MP-1 and laughed (I could swear I heard it).
The TW2010, per specifications, stands 8'3" with the qudrapod and has a measured "wingspan" of 63in (5'3"). Disassembled and folded, the TW2010 measures 34in. and weighs a few pounds. Despite the TW2010 being gerthier than the MP-1, without the need for ground radials, the TW2010 is often quicker and easier to deploy.
Up in minutes..DX in minutes..down in minutes.
Up in minutes..DX in minutes..down in minutes.
It's really that easy.
I'm constantly and consistently getting good reports.
"That portable vertical is doing a nice job for you."
"59, 10 over and honey."
I've made plenty of contacts with the TW2010, Europe and the Pacific when conditions are in. But even with a solar flux of 65, with 100 watts from my ft-897D, my log is filling with domestic, Canadian, Caribbean and South American stations.
The TW2010 Traveler is easy to tune because, well, there is no tuning. Connected by its 65ft cable to the antenna and powered by a 12v supply, the TW2010's controller requires only a push of a button to select a band. The TW2010 can work 20m, 17m, 15m, 12m and 10m bands. The MP-1, a manual screwdriver antenna, can tune continuously from 40m-10m, but requires manual tuning of the loading coil when changing bands.
Both the TW2010 Traveler and the "long" MP-1 are excellent performing portable antennas (the stock MP-1 is pretty good too). If traveling to unknown working positions, the performance, portability and configurability of the MP-1 make it an excellent travel antenna. Just put your shack including the MP-1 in the "bag" and you're ready to go. It's what I do and I have great fun on the bands when I travel. For more "trans-portable", "car-portable" or semi permanent situations, the TW Antennas TW2010 Traveler can not only take it (punishment) but can dish it out (signal) as well.
73
EchoFox |
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| M0SVA |
Rating:      |
2008-06-24 | |
| Serious quality, high performance and superb value for money |
Time Owned: 0 to 3 months. |
In England and elsewhere in Europe we are subjects to terms and conditions when it comes to tall structures.
An antenna mast in my small garden is out of the question, hence I usually have to operate mobile. Up to yesterday, I would use my faithful Yaesu FT-857D along with the ATAS-120, on the roof of the car. Lovely little antenna, especially when you drive around.
But it's a loaded antenna, with relatively low efficiency. Hence I needed something better, and got the TW2010, straight from the factory, along with the Transport Bag and the Quadrapod extras, the controller cable for the Yaesu FT-857 for mobile use, and the Icom at home.
Tonight, after lots of delays, I got the antenna out of the very well designed packaging.
Every bit and part of this product, is on a class of its own, nothing loose, nothing flimsy. I haven't had the pleasure to make such a statement about other "reputable" antenna makes...
I can tell this will outlast me, it's such good quality design AND choice of materials, well done TWAntennas and their very very special staff.
Tonight, I got in the car a Daiwa antenna switch and connected to it the Atas-120 and the TW2010;
here are my impressions:
The TW2010 was standing very close to the car, as my spare coax length was only 3 meters rather than the minimum 10 meters recommended ! Despite that it performed and performed, very well.
Putting together the antenna, and connecting various cables, in pitch black, didn't take more than 5 mins overall.
Switching from the Atas to the TW2010, did make a large-large difference every single time I would turn the switch from the ATAS120 to the TW2010.
Speaking on 20m with W4ASX im Miami or VE1CJB in Nova Scotia was a piece of cake, because they could hear me well. Even Venezuela, (e.g. YV1CTE and YV5EAH) was loud and clear (S7-8)
And this was in the middle of then night , past midnight local time on June 24 to 25 night, with ZERO sunspots, this for me is the acid test!
To judge an antenna at good propagation conditions is one thing.But when an antenna performs really well at the rock bottom of the solar cycle,then you know it is a winner!
And when you can achieve that with an antenna at ground level,then this is such a joy !
As soon as I would swap to the Atas-120, they would lose me, so I had to return to the TW2010, if I wanted to finish the QSOs. :o)
Having the quadrapod and the Transport Bag, for me is super convenient, as I can just park the car anywhere and support the antenna on the quatrapapod and start operating eg from somewhere close to the sea!
And when I finish, the Transport Bag comes in so very handy, with nicely padded separated compartments, where you can virtually fit ALL of the antenna and parts and just stick it in the boot of the car.
I can see this antenna for me, has created a new excitement for the hobby, If I know DX stations will hear me, now I want to be on the radio even more. The TW2010 has been an inspiration.
For specs and info navigate to:
http://twantennas.com/
For a better price go to eBay and search for username: econogenesys
You may still be lucky and get a top quality portable antenna at a bargain price !!
Will test the antenna on more bands and continue with this report.
Enjoy the sunny outdoors with a TW2010 and its sophisticated controller !
73 to all,
Tim (M0SVA)
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| KB8MYC |
Rating:      |
2008-05-26 | |
| As described!! |
Time Owned: 0 to 3 months. |
| I hate to sound like an echo, but this has been a great antenna so far. Set up was a snap. It took about 15 minutes to have it standing up in the attic of my condo (I'm lucky enough to have 9' in the peak of my attic) and to have the control cable hooked up in the shack. A quick flip of the swithes and I made an immediate qso to the west coast. Well built and well packaged. Great portable or attic antenna. |
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| N5EAT |
Rating:      |
2008-05-25 | |
| Quite Effective |
Time Owned: 0 to 3 months. |
This antenna is plug and play, assembly is easy and quick. The swr plots for all the bands is almost exactly as stated in the manual. I have mine nearly at ground level on the optional quad-foot stand TW Antennas sells.
On receive on 20 meters it's generally 2 S-units above my Hustler 5btv. In fairness - in spring,summer, and part of fall - the hustler is in the middle of a large pin oak tree which is lush and fully leafed out. I live in a townhouse, the tw20-10 antenna is in the middle of my small lot surrounde by fairly close structures. The 28 degree angle of radiation seems very useful for this kind of situation.
Quality appears very good, all components. I plan to get it up off the ground a bit later on. I think it will work at least as well as my old cushcraft R5 did (it was a DX machine). Radiation angles of the two antennas are different: 16 degrees for the cushcraft - 28 for the TW10-10. It hears extremely well on 15 meters. There was a CW contest this weekend and I copied lots of code. Band selection is done by pushing an up/down button on a powered control box.
I believe the efficiency estimates by the manufacturer to be the truth or close to it. The antenna matched to my new K3 seems lika a terrific match. I will have to stretch 2 coils to
lower the swr curve to better serve the cw portion of the band (it's 2.4 to 3.0/1 at this part of the band - my favorite). I still made contacts without getting the cursed SWR warning from the rig.
This would be a perfect rig into which extra power could be put without worrying about a hefty tuner. I may find one of the small 600 watt amps to feed it as the bands get better.
Again - all bands are set at the construction facility and swr on all bands is perfect. The antenna is so simple that it would be hard to not be able to build a control box to switch coils for each band to give perfect swr.
Price has dropped to 399.99 and at this price it represents a good value. Gigaparts is still selling at 449 or 500.00. I purchased mine from the manufacturing source itself. |
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| K6HJM |
Rating:      |
2008-05-13 | |
| Amazing antenna and service |
Time Owned: 0 to 3 months. |
Received the antenna and "quadrapod" support stand (4 legs so not a tripod)three days ago. First class design and extremely high quality of construction...everything fit perfectly and was easy to assemble...no real need to read the assembly instructions. The "trick" with the 2010 is that the matching coils and relays that control them are in the box attached to the middle of the vertical section. The control box just sends low voltage control signals to operate the relays.
While you could reuse the cardboard packing to transport the 2010, the bag they sell is really worth the $$. Not a thin tent bag but a sturdy one made especially for the antenna...separate pockets for each section, etc, etc.
First time use on 20 meters resulted in a QSO between Los Angeles and far above Alberta, Canada. Not bad for an antenna on the grass in my back yard. Oh yes, the folks at the company are extremely helpful and friendly AND they answer the telephone promptly! Go ahead and buy one...you will not be sorry!
73, Herb K6HJM
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| W5KMK |
Rating:      |
2008-05-07 | |
| Excellent Field Day vertical! |
Time Owned: 0 to 3 months. |
When the boxes arrived -- one for the tripod and one for the antenna itself -- I saw immediately that excellent packaging protected an antenna with great fit and finish. No tools were needed, and the connections fit together smoothly and tightly -- a truly well built antenna. After setting it up in my back yard on its tripod mount, I ran the cables through a window to see how well things would work. Out of the box with no adjustments, the antenna was better than 1.3 SWR on the SSB segment of all bands. I tuned to 20m and made contact with Rhode Island and New Hampshire from Houston, TX in the first two contacts...with noisy band conditions...this is great!
I ordered the travel bag and was once again impressed with the clean design. Each segment of the antenna has a separate compartment to protect it during travel, along with zipper compartments for the controller and cables. Straps on the outside made attaching the tripod and ground stake easy.
A great package for Field Day!!
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| KF6PKG |
Rating:      |
2008-05-06 | |
| Great antenna! |
Time Owned: 0 to 3 months. |
I've had this antenna for a couple of months now, and I am very pleased. As others have mentioned the construction quality is first rate. I also own the competitor's 20-10 vertical dipole, and there is just no comparison in build quality. The TW2010 wins hands down. The antenna breaks down into three sections and goes together in just a couple of minutes. There are no loose screws or wingnuts to deal with. Everything has been well thought out.
Even though the antenna is small it brings in a surprisingly good signal. For me, no adjustments were necessary. Everything was within specs right out of the box. Compared to other small antennas I have used (ATAS-100, Outbacker Outreach, Sigma-5) this antenna can hold it's own.
I live in an area with CC&R's and a back yard the size of a postage stamp. This antenna has not drawn any attention. It is quite stealthy with it's black powder coating. Mine is mounted on a tripod about 6 feet off the ground. If you are looking for a stealthy multi-band antenna, or a portable that can be assembled/disassembled in just a couple of minutes, take a serious look at this one. |
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