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Reviews For: Jetstream JTB-5 Triband antenna

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

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Review Summary For : Jetstream JTB-5 Triband antenna
Reviews: 4MSRP: 89.95
Description:
2M/220/70CM BASE ANTENNA 6/7.1/8DB
· 144-148, 222-225, 440-450Mhz
· 6 db gain on 144-148 Mhz
· 7.1 db gain on 222-225 Mhz
· 8 db gain on 440-450 Mhz
· Connector: SO239
· Impedance: 50 ohms
· Length 100"
· Mast size: 1.5-2 inch
· Max power: 200 watts, sum of all bands
· Max wind rating: 90 MPH
· Construction: Fiberglass
· Two piece contruction
Product is in production
More Info: http://www.jetstream-usa.com/jtb5.shtml
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
0042.3
K6RMR Rating: 2013-10-30
BUY THE Comet! Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
I found on 2 meters the SWR climbed to 2 to 1 above 147Mhz. On 222mhz. it was dummy load. on 70CM it did
work OK. On 2 meters below 147 the match was OK.
A friend gave me his old Comet 222 and on 222Mhz it
way out preformed the Jetstream.
VA3DDN Rating: 2013-06-27
Works well Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
I see where some hams have given this antenna a poor review. Its hard to imagine, but its possible the antenna was assembled improperly, IF THE MANUFACTURER'S INSTRUCTIONS WERE FOLLOWED EXACTLY !!
It appears to me that something critical is missing from the assembly instructions for the JTB5, and JTB2 antennas

Since these come in 2 pieces, the inside upper radiator has to be connected to the lower radiator element, not just the outer fibreglass mast pieces.
However the instructions do not mention this at all!

What I suggest is the following:
a) Shake the inside upper element rod down until you can pull it out about 2".
b) Then lay both on the floor, and align the upper element rod to the lower element connection.
c) Loosen the set screw in the lower element connector and insert the tip of the upper element rod.
d) Tighten the set screw securely, then slide the sections together and tighten the locking ring.

KD8BIW Rating: 2009-07-12
Don't waste your $$$ Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Bought this antenna for use as a base antenna. SWR outrageous on all 3 bands, more than 2:1! Materials are cheap and contruction is lousy. You'll get what you pay for. Spend a bit more and get the Comet CX-333, it's a great performer!
KI4UCO Rating: 2008-12-31
So-so performance Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Does good on 440, ok on 144, but lousy on 222. Using it with a Diamond triplexer. I have an MFJ 5/8 wave antenna mounted 8 feet lower that does better. I bought it to free up some antenna space on the roof (to keep the YL happy). Returning it to R&L and getting the Comet CX-333 (thanks Larry!). I'll let you know how that works out.