| WR4N |
Rating:  |
2022-09-05 | |
| The King of OCF Antennas |
Time Owned: 0 to 3 months. |
I was shocked to see that it has been a few years since the last review on this antenna. I do not know why this is the case, perhaps everyone simply thinks the matter is settled with 100% 5 STAR Reviews. But current Reviews have always helped me. So, away I go: my initial review of the ARRAY SOLUTIONS AS-OCF-2K – 2KW CW / 4KW PEP Off-Center Fed Dipole.
I never WANTED an OCF Dipole. Most of the input I had received from OCF users and from reading, was not very good. I had heard of many different issues related to this type of antenna. So, again, I never WANTED one. However, there were 2 things that compelled me to buy an OCF. FIRST, it matched all the criteria I needed for a specific purpose. I have a SteppIR Urban Beam and a 75/80m Dipole – but the Dipole only covers the lower part of the band. In addition to my existing Dipole, I needed an antenna that would cover the upper part of 75/80m. Also, I wanted an antenna that received very well on all or most of the HF Bands – that I would be able to use as a Diversity Reception Antenna on my ANAN 7000. Finally, I needed an antenna for EmComm – something that would cover most of the HF Bands. Although I have a generator, backup batteries, etc. – it is very important to me to have HF capabilities if everything else were to fail. I discovered that a quality built, correctly erected OCF could match all of my specific needs! SECOND, I discovered that ARRAY SOLUTIONS makes an OCF! This was the most important factor in my decision. Everything I have purchased from Array Solutions has been of superb quality, has worked flawlessly, and when needed – their Customer Service is unequaled. Jay at Array Solutions has earned my respect and my trust. If his company makes it, I know it will be the best available.
When it arrived, I was blown away. The entire antenna was assembled and ready to hang, it truly looked “Mil-Spec,” the quality of components was top-shelf from beginning to end, and the craftsmanship in building was apparent. The balun used is perhaps the best in the industry; you have to see its size and closely examine it to understand why merely inspecting the OCF made a great first impression.
This is an early report, but I will continue to update. For now, I will simply say that all my specific needs were met and my expectations have thus far been exceeded. After I have settled in on what I come to believe is the optimal installation, I will give a more detailed report. But for now, here is the summary. One single Dipole Antenna, 6m through 80m, surprisingly low SWR, actual gain on 40m and above, handles 2KW – 4KW depending on SWR, great receiving antenna – very quiet and a super choice for Diversity Reception, and did I mention that all of this comes via just one antenna?! Yes, the price may be higher than other preassembled OCF Antennas, but as soon as a buyer opens the box and examines it, they quickly realize that it is a value.
Testing has shown that at heights of 35' and up, this is THE OCF to buy. If a user can get it up around 60' - with the legs around 20' - and if it is installed correctly - I think most will experience "jaw dropping" performance. Yes, it is that good! This is definitely NOT a "compromise" antenna, rather, I would call it "THE KING OF OCF ANTENNAS.
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| K5BJM |
Rating: |
2015-02-01 | |
| Worth The Money |
Time Owned: 6 to 12 months. |
| I have the apex up at 40 feet, the long end at 25 feet, short end at 15 feet. The antenna SWR is 1.7 to 1 or less except for 12m where it is about 1.8 to 1. I use a tuner to protect amplifier but is not really needed. The build of the antenna is outstanding! I have many antennas to compare to, Mosely TA53M Beam, Hygain TH11DX Beam, 80 M dipole, Carolina Windom 160, a 300 foot horizontal loop, and now the OCF Dipole from Array Solutions. Depending on propagation the antenna is always equal to and most times outperforms the other wire antennas. It does not outperform the beams as you cannot expect it to. I have been thinking about taking my other wire antennas down and just keeping the Array Solutions OCF in the air. I highly recommend this antenna, and by way, I would recommend ANYTHING that Array Solutions designs and or builds and sells. I have never had a problem with anything that I purchased from Array Solutions. I recommend this company. |
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| W7VI |
Rating: |
2014-05-16 | |
| Great Antenna |
Time Owned: 6 to 12 months. |
Inhave had my AS-OCF-2K dipole for about a year.
At 1st I had some problems with RF getting back into the system; but calling Array Solutions and explaining my problem it was resolved. I have the APEX up 80 feet and each leg about 40 feet up.
This Antenna has shock me at its performance! Its great I cannot believe the DX I am getting with this antenna and with only MAX. 100 watts. The only thing I have trouble with I can not tune 10 meters; but I have a vertical for that so no problem.
If you want a GREAT Antenna purchase this one; I hear stations I have not heard on my beam which I have taken down.
Tnx's
Array Solutions |
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| WA0VY |
Rating: |
2014-05-13 | |
| Great Antenna for Tough Installations |
Time Owned: 3 to 6 months. |
Like everyone else, I was very impressed with the build quality and the service. Like a lot of people, I have limited real estate and zoning restrictions limit height and where I can go to tie off the ends. Complicating that, when I first installed it, the long run got caught in the higher branches of scraggly low tree, about 15 feet up is all. It still worked fine (worked N. Ireland and Japan with 10 watts SSB) but I knew it would work better if I could get it out of there and up. Finally got some help from a tree guy with a cherry picker, freed it and raised up to about 40 feet. WOW!
The moral of this story is that this antenna not a finicky Prima Donna. It will work in a lot of adverse circumstances and still give very good results. Highly recommended. |
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| K5UX |
Rating: |
2014-03-22 | |
| Rugged and works very well! |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
| I, like many other hams that don't have a tower, was looking for a "compromise" antenna that would enable me to enjoy most of the HF bands. I purchased the Array Solutions OCF (2Kw CCS) model and have had zero issues with the antenna. After I installed the antenna, I wasn't happy with the SWR and called Array Solutions. Talked with Jay and he suggested that I put the ends up at least 15 feet off the ground, which resulted in a very acceptable SWR. The nice thing about the Array Solutions OCF is that is completely assembled, with no soldering or pruning required. In my particular case, I simply installed the antenna in the inverted "V" configuration that took less than 15 minutes. The antenna is suspended approximately 45 feet from a large live oak limb. |
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| KA2WDV |
Rating: |
2013-06-03 | |
| OUTSTANDING |
Time Owned: 0 to 3 months. |
| I replaced your basic G5RV antenna with Array Solutions OCF Dipole and I can tell you it is an outstanding antenna. It works 80m-10m no problem at all. The SWR was never over 1.7 anywhere. The reception difference is amazing. This antenna has really impressed me. I talked to a guy in Russia with a 59 signal report from NY. It was easy to put up and the balun is built like a tank. No PVC plumbing parts here. I am very critical in putting money down. I want value. Let me tell you, This is worth every penny. When you open the box, this has HIGH QUALITY written all over it. I have this set up in an inverted V configuration. I just can't say enough about this. I had a very minor issue and called JAY at Array Solutions and he took care of everything. He is a great guy and they are there for their customer. What great customer service. It's all here folks, the quality, the customer service, the performance. GO GET ONE. you will be thrilled you did. This is like the difference between a 7watt nite light and a 150watt bulb. Well Done Array Solutions ! |
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| AD5QP |
Rating: |
2013-03-24 | |
| Great antenna |
Time Owned: 0 to 3 months. |
| Went to Array Solutions and purchased the 5k OCF dipole. Put up the next day as an inverted v at 60 feet. Works great. Will need a tuner to run high power, mostly as a safety device so I can track SWR to the amp... Signals are 20 to 40 over 9 on 75 meter nets. Would buy one again if I ever need another hf antenna. |
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| W0SZ |
Rating: |
2013-03-07 | |
| RUGGED, PLAYS WELL |
Time Owned: 3 to 6 months. |
| FOR ARRL DX CONTEST FROM WYOMING WE CHANGED FROM GROUND MOUNTED VERTICAL TO ARRAY SOLUTIONS OFC DIPOLE ANTENNA FOR 40 AND 80 METERS. FINALLY WE WERE ABLE TO WORK THE STATIONS WE COULD HEAR WHICH HAS BEEN FRUSTRATING IN THE PAST. WE EXPERIENCED NO RFI AND THE TOKYO HP AND TUNER HAD NO PROBLEMS PUTTING OUT 1.5 KW ACROSS THE BANDS. OUR CONTEST GROUP WAS VERY PLEASED WITH THE ANTENNA. IT WILL BE GOING UP NEXT YEAR. |
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| KD5PDN |
Rating: |
2011-09-18 | |
| Update |
Time Owned: 0 to 3 months. |
Moving my review up to a 5.
Within 2 hours of my first review, an email from an Array Solutions technician offered assistance in my SWR challenges. I followed their suggestions and the answer popped up.
It turns out that a flat top on the long end is not the most efficient configuration for my installation.
An inverted V with a 120 degree angle offers the best performance for this OCF. I tested it in each configuration and the SWR improved in the inverted V configuration.
These engineers really care about their customers. |
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| N4HE |
Rating: |
2011-07-19 | |
| Two years in wind and salt, still going strong! |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
| I wanted a simple antenna to work all HF bands that would hold up in the high winds and corrosive environment at this seaside QTH. After using the Array Solutions AS-OCF-2K for about two years, am very pleased with its performance. I mounted the apex on a short mast of gray nonmetallic tubing at the peak of a garage roof, about 35 feet high, with the 45 foot leg to the house and the 90 foot leg to a wood post in the yard. The auto tuner in the Ten-Tec Omni VII tunes the OCF dipole on 80 thru 10, and also on 160. Have never tried it on 6. The price is currently listed as $259, same as 2 years ago. After a career in electronics and communications I decided to let someone else build the antenna! After experiencing the high quality and performance of the Array Solutions OCF dipole I would definitely purchase it again. |
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