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Reviews For: OptiBeam OB2-80s 2el extra shortened 80m monoband Yagi

Category: Antennas: HF: Yagi, Quad, Rotary dipole, LPDA

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Review Summary For : OptiBeam OB2-80s 2el extra shortened 80m monoband Yagi
Reviews: 3MSRP: approx. 5000USD
Description:
Extremely efficient trapless 2el 80m Yagi on a 10 meter (33 foot) long boom with just 17.60 meter (58 foot) long elements. Lossfree shortened elements by software designed and absolutely unique high Q coils and a likewise software designed high efficient end loading. Fed through a high quality Array Solutions 5 KW 1:2 balun. Robust like a tank and optically extremely attractive due to a stirdy square boom and V-trussed elements. By the use of the OptiBeam „multi switch system“ coverage of a total of 180 khz in three SSB segments plus 60 khz in the CW part. A real compact 2el 80m Yagi, but for highest demands.
Product is in production
More Info: http://www.optibeam.de
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
0035
UX1UA Rating: 2019-07-30
80m sounds like a 20s now! Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
One day I've decided to change my one element rotary dipole for 80m band (UB80) for some two elements beam. After some research I found an Optibeam OB2-80s. It is quite compact but TWO elements for 80-s and not one any more. I've got then a very serious consulting on how to maintain it for a better result done by Thomas from OB. I bought the antenna and two additional options like a V-trussing for elements. Here local we produced another additional V-truss T-like system for a boom and additional (thin but very strong) fishing ropes to support at the tips of elements. The antenna itself was made as we here use to say for something robust and strong "made in Germany"! SWR at the working height of 35m was close to it's designed. No any serious interaction with Ultra Beam 40-6 (like a known MonstIR) has been noted. The vertical separation between two antennas is 4 meters. The first usage was done during IARU HF Championship mid July. The antenna appeared to be a really gun! I can simply provide the list of DX in the night in that contest: B3HQ, E2HQ, ZR2A/4, T40HQ, CE2LR, CX9AU, PJ4/W9SN, NP4Z, WP3C, PX2A, PR4T, ZV5O, TI7W, LU0HQ, LU8DPM, LS2D, 20 W/VE. So the result of testing OB2-80s: “The 80-e was like a 20M band”. The list of DX is quite impressive despite the summer short dark time in the night and only one night in this 24H contest. Only part of time had been dedicated to 80M because of All bands category of participation. Now I can definitely know the difference between one and TWO elements antenna on 80M band! The only one my proposal for a "wish list" would be to make better resonance at Digi portion of the band.
VE6AMI Rating: 2018-01-16
Two Element Yagi Versus Four Square Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
Many will say this is an apples versus oranges comparison, and they have a valid argument. As most hams have limited space for antenna's, a small 80 meter yagi is probably the best they can hope for!

Systems & Comparison Notes:

A) The four square system has 60 radials per element and uses a Comtek hybrid phasing coupler (modified per ON4UN's recommendations).

B) The compact Optibeam yagi is mounted at the 140 ft. level on a 150 ft. rotating tower. The yagi switching system has been tuned for lower SWR values around digital frequencies. Also, switching of coils is done using WIFI network I/O cards instead of a manual switching system.

1)In most cases the yagi has a lower noise value during reception.
2) Directional switching is better with four square (no tower to turn).
3) Both systems appear to have about the same gain. Depending on propagation....
4) Build of Optibeam Yagi is exceptional as usual and has handled a ice storm already.
5) The little yagi easily handles the 2 Kw on RTTY sent to it.
6) Assembly & installation of this yagi is significantly easier than building a 4 square system ! (2 days versus 2 weeks )

In summary, if you don't have space a 4 square system, this yagi is a strong contender for operations on 80 meters.

Hans (VE6TK - AMI)
VE7KET Rating: 2010-12-12
The right product-the right timing! Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
This remarkable antenna appeared on the market this summer. It was just the right time for me.I had been dissatisfied with various single and paired wires, both vertical and horizontal, over several years and I needed a solution that would fit my lot size.
So this summer, when Array Solutions advertised a novel Optibeam 2 element yagi shortened to a manageable size for the average ham, I dug deep in my pocket for US dollars and ordered one. 7 weeks later I had the antenna assembled...in an average size yard.
I must say, I have not regretted the expenditure. What beautiful aluminum! Design, production and preassembly of critical parts and coils is exquisite. Even the element truss supports and the little nylon fittings and the blue truss ropes make me smile! And of course, Tom's attention to detail both in shipping and in support is remarkable.
The OB2-80S is now up 110ft where, indeed, it is no more obtrusive than my other antennas. It is effortlessly controlled by an M2 rotor. It seems remarkably quiet.I have found no need for the K9AY array. Moreover, I hear a lot of stations well that dont hear me. Maybe I need a second amp :) Time will tell...