That "Alpha Match" you have is pretty much junk. It's about $3 worth of Home Depot PVC plumbing parts. I had one, and the hole was not drilled in the very center of the PVC cap, where the whip mounting stud goes. Fully extended that 13 foot whip puts a lot of stress on the PVC cap, and mine literally broke a chunk out of the PVC. I was not happy, and posted a negative review on an amateur radio forum. I was quickly contacted by Alpha Antenna, and told that my antenna was still under warranty. They sent me a whole new antenna, not just the part that broke. But it gets even better. They have completely redesigned the "Alpha Match", and it is now a solid piece of machined aluminum, not PVC. I have been using it for a couple of years now, it works great, and is holding up very well. There are no longer any cheap plastic plumbing parts. It is very well done.
To save tons of money, make a Cobra head out of pvc and 14 awg wire for 100 watts max, cut it for 80 meters and use a tuner. This can do it all and it is cheap and simple.
Thanks for the series. Looking at a Ventenna HFp to use with my KX3 in the field and all three antennas are now contenders. Will work my way through the series and see what falls out for my circumstances. Cheers Chris VK4FR
+Chris Megaw You are very welcome. If I've learned anything during this series, it's that we need to define our requirements, and purchase or build the system which meets those requirements. So do your research, then come back and let us know what you decided. Thanks for the comment, and for watching
I'm just finishing up the second video and will publish it late Sunday night or Monday morning. I'm really having a good time with this series! thanks for all the support guys.
+SurvivalTech Nord Thank you for your time and effort. I was looking for this kind of "versus" style review of those two antenna systems. In Germany they are far more expensive due to shipping, toll and taxes. So in a way I trust you with my money ;) The third antenna that I consider is the some what different Buddipole. Keep up the awesome work. 73 DJ6KR Konrad
+Konrad Ritter I was thinking about the Buddipole also. IMO, it has too many tiny little parts to manage. I like the rapid deployment nature of these vertical antennas and also magnetic loops.
+SurvivalTech Nord Yes, that's what makes my hesitate and wait for your further insight. But it has the adavantage of including a mast and the possibility to be made resonant (i don't really know why, but I kind of feel a cheater, using a tuner ;) ). To me it seems more like a basecamp antenna for a (mobile) HQ and NVIS, while the operators would be better of with MPAS or EZ. I carry an ATX Walkabout and FT 817 with me everyday, and as I live in germany my camping and hiking possibilities are limited (by law partwise) I also thought of getting the F- or alexloop but I feel like I can build that for far less than 500€ (that's what you pay for them here at wimo)
+SurvivalTech Nord Thanks a lot for the tip with wimo. Yes I do know them, but they have their price as well... including a mast you are around the mark of 500€ to 600€ for all of the systems exept the EZ military.
I have the EZ with all the extras. I set up portable with it and the 857 late last year during a 10m contest I didn't realize was going on. I'm located in MS but I worked Argentina on 50w, Hawaii on 50w, Canada, Missouri, oregon, Washington, and California on 10w. Is it as good as a full size antenna? No. Does it work well for what it is? Yes. I wanted a portable antenna that didn't require a tree and didn't have a ton of pieces to put it together. I've really enjoyed mine and would buy another.
+Bushy556 Excellent comment! I think it's really important to get feedback from both sides of the fence. Thanks for watching and for commenting. 73 de STN
Looking forward to your conclusions on this series. I had seen videos on both and was wondering about them as well. Thanks for doing the work for all of us.
Very good video. I really like how you explained everything and your camera work allowed me to really get a good look at what you were doing. Thank you. 73. AI6PD
+SurvivalTech Nord question! I just ordered this kit off of amazon, and in the description it says it also comes with the 5 foot whip that is meant to be used as a mobile whip antenna...I didn't notice that in your video. Was that not a part of the kit? I guess i'll see if it shows up or not when its delivered on saturday.. thanks!
ifly8241 Hi ifly. I didn't get a Whip, but I imagine, that's because my series is comparing field deployable systems, rather than mobile installations. Send them an ermail!
+SurvivalTech Nord Its due in tomorrow ...i'll see whats in the box. I ordered the "gold" edition. i noticed that on the website the description is slightly different than on amazon...interesting...i guess we'll see soon enough
whats the differences on the matching base units? are they 4:1 or 9:1 baluns? its important to understand in how the match unit can be used in other configurations
STN, Did you get a shoulder strap with the bag? I've just got mine and it is not there. Did you also get an Allen wrench? For some reason, I thought Alpha Antenna include one. I'll email the company and see what they reply with. I'll be making a video of my kit soon. Thanks for your video. Sub'd.
+Robert Fernandez Hi Robert I did get a shoulder strap, but no Allen key. Please let us know your experience with the kit. Thanks for watching and the sub. 73 DE OH8STN
That's for an intelligent review. Could you advise me on some type of turnkey ham kit to establish a home base station with all the bells and whistles? I would prefer someone just configure a complete system that I can just buy in a box and install, power it up, and everything just works. I don't have the time or patience to shop for all the parts and pieces. Also, most TH-cams are always talking about low cost budget stuff. I want good quality stuff that can access emergency services, military, commercial, etc. I also want my home install to be a repeater system. Is there anyone you could recommend that really knows their stuff and could put together a "system-in-a-box" for me. I am not shopping for discount stuff here. Of course I'll pay for engineering the system, but it needs to plug in, power on, and work. Plain and simple. Phase one is a home base and repeater system. After that, I want portable, deployable in-a-kit scenario. Also assume approx 6 handhelds for the field.
Very good overview of this antenna. I've watched the antenna videos performed by videosbymike, videosbydpf and Paolo Gramigna - I learned quite a bit from them. I also read the thread that started up this series. I have also watched other videos by Alpha and the more recent ones at Hamcation2016, it appears that this antenna has sold out. One thing I do like about the Alpha is that it is sold as a kit, it is currently selling for $450 and a few weeks ago it was on sale for $399. In the hamcation2016 videos Steve stated that the mil stick is currently under contract and sold only to Alpha. MY question is this - is the alpha match is marketed as a 'solid state tuner', is it really? Or is it simply a 9:1 unun with trifilar windings around a toroid? I would like to see the inside of this schedule 40 PVC end cap and plug opened up if possible. Great start to a video series, I'm anxious to see the outcome!
Hello Steven. Thanks for watching. I'll have to watch the videos by "videosbydpf" and Hamcation2016. I hadn't seen them yet. The videosbymike series in my opinion, needs validation. Hopefully, we'll achieve that with this series. I'm not comfortable opening the alpha match. Instead I'd prefer to let my performance and durability results speak for me. I'll ask Alpha to follow the comments and answer questions like these first hand. As small a thing as it is, I also like the package in "kit form". Knowing that everything is inside that one bag takes a lot of stress away from taking the system on trips. That's a big plus that I forgot to mention it.
+Steven Hull We do all that is possible at Alpha Antenna to monitor support questions on various forums and videos, but can easily miss something buried in a thread. So, please feel free to also email or call us directly with your questions at support@alphaantenna.com or 1-888-482-3249. The impedance matching portion of the Alpha Match is neither a 4:1 nor a 9:1 transformer; and never has been. The current version of the Alpha Match is Version 17, which has evolved into our own design over the years. We then enclose the electronics of the Alpha Match in a polycarbonate material because it and the stainless steel hardware holds up to salt water environments much better than most metal enclosures. This polycarbonate is also designed to withstand high pressure water, so if offers a much better water proof seal than can usually be found in many metal enclosures.
+Steven Hull Actually Steven, we've learned quite a bit more valuable information since the series started. Although I'm not willing to trash a product, I am willing to provide evidence supporting my conclusion in the final video. Alpha EZ Military Quality Control: th-cam.com/play/PLKMrdrsNkFA74KZ1WGK2ROk4AhDPpyv1w.html Videos on TH-cam should be viewed with a grain of salt. We all believed in the product, but the evidence shows us the product is designed to be cheap, not to be good! The answer to your question is a very poorly made 5:1 unun.
+Alpha Antenna Thanks Alpha. I haven't seen any comments from your guys in quite a while. I do want you to succeed and make great products that the ham community is known for. I think we all beat up Alpha enough, its time to get back to business and enable ham operators to make great contacts and need your company's help. I am sure your company is quite capable of it.However, I do ask of something from you, as positive feedback:1 - The price of $450 is absurd. The graphics changed all the time with what is included in your kits on your website. I, along with others, was completely confused by your EZ Gold offering before this video set was made. This is what had me all fired up. Lots of us are in the market for portable HF antennas. 2 - Allow people comment on your videos and grow with your products and company. We learn a lot from others. Simple videos about your products made by videosbymike were instrumental to all of us and powerful. 3 - Thanks for going to ham fests, that means a lot to us. 4 - Rethink your some of the marketing and what you want people to think about your products. For instance, please don't shoot your Alpha Matches with a shotgun, I would have rather seen you talk about what was inside the Alpha Match instead of the bullet holes on the outside. 5 - I have heard nothing but good about the support you give customers, A+ for that. That is something I see dying off in the world - good support.6 - I fully expect Alpha to succeed and update the product line with top quality products. That can only be done if your followers help get you there. 7 - We want good equipment to make contacts with. Simple as that. Help us get there Alpha! Don't stop because of some bad comments here and there. 8 - Everyone else, the battle is over on this one. Next up is the Alpha Recon vs. Chameleon _______.....73's guys.
That "Alpha Match" you have is pretty much junk. It's about $3 worth of Home Depot PVC plumbing parts. I had one, and the hole was not drilled in the very center of the PVC cap, where the whip mounting stud goes. Fully extended that 13 foot whip puts a lot of stress on the PVC cap, and mine literally broke a chunk out of the PVC. I was not happy, and posted a negative review on an amateur radio forum. I was quickly contacted by Alpha Antenna, and told that my antenna was still under warranty. They sent me a whole new antenna, not just the part that broke. But it gets even better. They have completely redesigned the "Alpha Match", and it is now a solid piece of machined aluminum, not PVC. I have been using it for a couple of years now, it works great, and is holding up very well. There are no longer any cheap plastic plumbing parts. It is very well done.
To save tons of money, make a Cobra head out of pvc and 14 awg wire for 100 watts max, cut it for 80 meters and use a tuner. This can do it all and it is cheap and simple.
Thanks for the series. Looking at a Ventenna HFp to use with my KX3 in the field and all three antennas are now contenders.
Will work my way through the series and see what falls out for my circumstances.
Cheers
Chris
VK4FR
+Chris Megaw You are very welcome. If I've learned anything during this series, it's that we need to define our requirements, and purchase or build the system which meets those requirements. So do your research, then come back and let us know what you decided.
Thanks for the comment, and for watching
Great video! Looking forward to rest of the series!
Thanks for watching
As always a most excellent review. Looking forward to this series. Many thanks.
You're welcome Larry.
I'm already enjoying the series very much.
I'm just finishing up the second video and will publish it late Sunday night or Monday morning. I'm really having a good time with this series!
thanks for all the support guys.
+SurvivalTech Nord
Thank you for your time and effort. I was looking for this kind of "versus" style review of those two antenna systems. In Germany they are far more expensive due to shipping, toll and taxes. So in a way I trust you with my money ;)
The third antenna that I consider is the some what different Buddipole.
Keep up the awesome work.
73
DJ6KR
Konrad
+Konrad Ritter Did you know Wimo distributes the Chameleon antennas in Germany? Cheap shipping, no customs
+Konrad Ritter I was thinking about the Buddipole also. IMO, it has too many tiny little parts to manage. I like the rapid deployment nature of these vertical antennas and also magnetic loops.
+SurvivalTech Nord
Yes, that's what makes my hesitate and wait for your further insight.
But it has the adavantage of including a mast and the possibility to be made resonant (i don't really know why, but I kind of feel a cheater, using a tuner ;) ). To me it seems more like a basecamp antenna for a (mobile) HQ and NVIS, while the operators would be better of with MPAS or EZ.
I carry an ATX Walkabout and FT 817 with me everyday, and as I live in germany my camping and hiking possibilities are limited (by law partwise)
I also thought of getting the F- or alexloop but I feel like I can build that for far less than 500€ (that's what you pay for them here at wimo)
+SurvivalTech Nord
Thanks a lot for the tip with wimo.
Yes I do know them, but they have their price as well... including a mast you are around the mark of 500€ to 600€ for all of the systems exept the EZ military.
I have the EZ with all the extras. I set up portable with it and the 857 late last year during a 10m contest I didn't realize was going on. I'm located in MS but I worked Argentina on 50w, Hawaii on 50w, Canada, Missouri, oregon, Washington, and California on 10w. Is it as good as a full size antenna? No. Does it work well for what it is? Yes. I wanted a portable antenna that didn't require a tree and didn't have a ton of pieces to put it together. I've really enjoyed mine and would buy another.
+Bushy556 Excellent comment! I think it's really important to get feedback from both sides of the fence. Thanks for watching and for commenting.
73 de STN
Looking forward to your conclusions on this series. I had seen videos on both and was wondering about them as well. Thanks for doing the work for all of us.
You're welcome. In the end its all about the customers, so it's important to take time and do the series right. Thanks for watching.
Very good video. I really like how you explained everything and your camera work allowed me to really get a good look at what you were doing. Thank you. 73. AI6PD
That is freaking awesome buddy!!! I need more communication skills... LOL
I have the FMJ Moto, and the EZ Military that I use as a mobile... my FMJ Moto only had 1 counterpoise, and 1 NVIS.
Thx for the heads up.
Comments enabled!
+SurvivalTech Nord question! I just ordered this kit off of amazon, and in the description it says it also comes with the 5 foot whip that is meant to be used as a mobile whip antenna...I didn't notice that in your video. Was that not a part of the kit? I guess i'll see if it shows up or not when its delivered on saturday..
thanks!
ifly8241 Hi ifly. I didn't get a Whip, but I imagine, that's because my series is comparing field deployable systems, rather than mobile installations.
Send them an ermail!
+SurvivalTech Nord Its due in tomorrow ...i'll see whats in the box. I ordered the "gold" edition. i noticed that on the website the description is slightly different than on amazon...interesting...i guess we'll see soon enough
ifly8241 good luck!
whats the differences on the matching base units? are they 4:1 or 9:1 baluns? its important to understand in how the match unit can be used in other configurations
Excellent!!!!!!!
The GC!
This is the old alpha antenna version, try the new one you gonna be happy to test it. you must actualize bro!
Thanks for sharing !
Thanks for watching. More to come!
STN,
Did you get a shoulder strap with the bag? I've just got mine and it is not there. Did you also get an Allen wrench? For some reason, I thought Alpha Antenna include one. I'll email the company and see what they reply with. I'll be making a video of my kit soon. Thanks for your video. Sub'd.
+Robert Fernandez Hi Robert
I did get a shoulder strap, but no Allen key. Please let us know your experience with the kit.
Thanks for watching and the sub.
73 DE OH8STN
That's for an intelligent review. Could you advise me on some type of turnkey ham kit to establish a home base station with all the bells and whistles? I would prefer someone just configure a complete system that I can just buy in a box and install, power it up, and everything just works. I don't have the time or patience to shop for all the parts and pieces. Also, most TH-cams are always talking about low cost budget stuff. I want good quality stuff that can access emergency services, military, commercial, etc. I also want my home install to be a repeater system. Is there anyone you could recommend that really knows their stuff and could put together a "system-in-a-box" for me. I am not shopping for discount stuff here. Of course I'll pay for engineering the system, but it needs to plug in, power on, and work. Plain and simple. Phase one is a home base and repeater system. After that, I want portable, deployable in-a-kit scenario. Also assume approx 6 handhelds for the field.
Very good overview of this antenna. I've watched the antenna videos performed by videosbymike, videosbydpf and Paolo Gramigna - I learned quite a bit from them. I also read the thread that started up this series. I have also watched other videos by Alpha and the more recent ones at Hamcation2016, it appears that this antenna has sold out. One thing I do like about the Alpha is that it is sold as a kit, it is currently selling for $450 and a few weeks ago it was on sale for $399. In the hamcation2016 videos Steve stated that the mil stick is currently under contract and sold only to Alpha. MY question is this - is the alpha match is marketed as a 'solid state tuner', is it really? Or is it simply a 9:1 unun with trifilar windings around a toroid? I would like to see the inside of this schedule 40 PVC end cap and plug opened up if possible. Great start to a video series, I'm anxious to see the outcome!
Hello Steven. Thanks for watching.
I'll have to watch the videos by "videosbydpf" and Hamcation2016. I hadn't seen them yet. The videosbymike series in my opinion, needs validation. Hopefully, we'll achieve that with this series. I'm not comfortable opening the alpha match. Instead I'd prefer to let my performance and durability results speak for me. I'll ask Alpha to follow the comments and answer questions like these first hand.
As small a thing as it is, I also like the package in "kit form". Knowing that everything is inside that one bag takes a lot of stress away from taking the system on trips. That's a big plus that I forgot to mention it.
+Steven Hull It's either a 4:1 or a 9:1 transformer... My guess would be a 4:1...
+Steven Hull We do all that is possible at Alpha Antenna to monitor support questions on various forums and videos, but can easily miss something buried in a thread. So, please feel free to also email or call us directly with your questions at support@alphaantenna.com or 1-888-482-3249. The impedance matching portion of the Alpha Match is neither a 4:1 nor a 9:1 transformer; and never has been. The current version of the Alpha Match is Version 17, which has evolved into our own design over the years. We then enclose the electronics of the Alpha Match in a polycarbonate material because it and the stainless steel hardware holds up to salt water environments much better than most metal enclosures. This polycarbonate is also designed to withstand high pressure water, so if offers a much better water proof seal than can usually be found in many metal enclosures.
+Steven Hull Actually Steven, we've learned quite a bit more valuable information since the series started. Although I'm not willing to trash a product, I am willing to provide evidence supporting my conclusion in the final video. Alpha EZ Military Quality Control: th-cam.com/play/PLKMrdrsNkFA74KZ1WGK2ROk4AhDPpyv1w.html
Videos on TH-cam should be viewed with a grain of salt. We all believed in the product, but the evidence shows us the product is designed to be cheap, not to be good!
The answer to your question is a very poorly made 5:1 unun.
+Alpha Antenna Thanks Alpha. I haven't seen any comments from your guys in quite a while. I do want you to succeed and make great products that the ham community is known for. I think we all beat up Alpha enough, its time to get back to business and enable ham operators to make great contacts and need your company's help. I am sure your company is quite capable of it.However, I do ask of something from you, as positive feedback:1 - The price of $450 is absurd. The graphics changed all the time with what is included in your kits on your website. I, along with others, was completely confused by your EZ Gold offering before this video set was made. This is what had me all fired up. Lots of us are in the market for portable HF antennas. 2 - Allow people comment on your videos and grow with your products and company. We learn a lot from others. Simple videos about your products made by videosbymike were instrumental to all of us and powerful. 3 - Thanks for going to ham fests, that means a lot to us. 4 - Rethink your some of the marketing and what you want people to think about your products. For instance, please don't shoot your Alpha Matches with a shotgun, I would have rather seen you talk about what was inside the Alpha Match instead of the bullet holes on the outside. 5 - I have heard nothing but good about the support you give customers, A+ for that. That is something I see dying off in the world - good support.6 - I fully expect Alpha to succeed and update the product line with top quality products. That can only be done if your followers help get you there. 7 - We want good equipment to make contacts with. Simple as that. Help us get there Alpha! Don't stop because of some bad comments here and there. 8 - Everyone else, the battle is over on this one. Next up is the Alpha Recon vs. Chameleon _______.....73's guys.
Very very good ! Nice video dear! 73' de iw7ebb
Thanks. More to come.