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Performance HF, Inc. |
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(858) 487-8050
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Introduction Two HT/handheld HF antenna models are available. They are the ham (HT-HF/HAM) and shortwave (HT-HF/SW) versions. Both are the same except for tuning characteristics (i.e. for bands included see below). Band/frequency coverage for each of these versions is extremely good. The circuits can be combined to get a multitude of tuned frequencies/bands from each antenna. For bands supported see the section below titled Frequency Coverage. Performance Potentially gain that well exceeds full s-meter deflection is heard by engaging the tuned circuits. A Kenwood TH-F6A was used in testing. The s-meter results shown below compare the signal strengths (on the HT s-meter) of the untuned antenna (i.e. pass-through) compared to it tuned. This test also uses real radio signals demonstrating potential reception. Additionally, the high gain is achieved at opposing ends of the bands which indicates favorably wide tuning. Three ham bands were tested: 20m, 40m and 80m. For this antenna, no buttons engaged is pass-through to the whip (i.e. no tuning circuits engaged). Note that the antenna calibration has changed slightly to improve performance since this test. The above statements are based on some facts. The first is that the full range from s=0 to s=9 is for the Kenwood TH-F6A HT used in testing. Second that the HT used is correctly calibrated and lastly that the readings taken were fairly accurate. The readings taken were done so with the intent of being conservative so there is not much worry about the last concern. The first and second I expect some variability, but the bottomline is that the HT HF antenna truly performs and receives real signals (i.e. with the usual assumptions that band conditions are in and location being important). 80m: 3.525 MHz S=0 untuned to S=8 with tuning. 3.777 MHz S=0 untuned to S=6 with tuning. 3.954 MHz S=0 untuned to S=6 with tuning. 3.986 MHz S=0 untuned to S=6to9 with tuning. 40m: 7.005 MHz S=4 untuned to S=9 with tuning. 7.060 MHz S=0 untuned to S=8 with tuning. 7.100 MHz S=0 untuned to S=8 with tuning. 7.375 MHz S=2 untuned to S=9 with tuning. 20m: 14.005 MHz S=6 untuned to S=9 with tuning. 14.030 MHz S=2 untuned to S=9 with tuning. 14.070 MHz S=2to4 untuned to S=8to9 with tuning. 14.085 MHz S=0 untuned to S=6 with tuning. 14.265 MHz S=4 untuned to S=9 with tuning. The test was performed on February 12th, 2007 with an HT-HAM version antenna. This occurred in the morning from 7:20 to 7:45 AM prior to shipping the antenna to a customer. Each signal heard had an endpoint of S=0 or S=9. If any had been contained completely within S=0 and S=9 than this gain thoery would have been disproven (at least for that band segment), but it was not. The intelligent signals heard and recorded were LSB, USB, CW and AM. Also, a couple of the signals were heterodynes versus anything with intelligence but they worked well for taking comparisons with and without tuning.Sample Reception Sound Clip This shows the difference between tuning circuits on and then off in the same sound clip. HF Reception Sample (40 meters) (click here) (If there are problems hearing the sample, please let us know as we can e-mail a suitable format.) Sound Clip Contents: - The first 4 seconds is with the tuned circuits engaged - The rest of the clip is with the tuned circuits disengaged just using the 33.3” long whip antenna. Notes: - At the end of the sound clip the code is barely perceptable without the tuned circuits engaged. - HF reception is much better when using even the 33.3” long whip untuned compared to the originally supplied HT VHF/UHF antenna. So, combining both the long whip and the tuned circuits produces substantial gain. - Not all received signals will show this change between tuned and untuned (i.e. very readable to unreadable), since, of course, gain will have different effects on different signal strengths. Frequency Coverage Following are the individual tuned frequencies found with different combinations of the push buttons depressed (patent pending). For example, by combining the 20m, 15m and 10m buttons on the ham version greatly improves WWV at 10.0 MHz with a tuned center frequency of 10.70 MHz. The bandwidth is very good. Ham Model Coverage: General: Provides primary ham bands in addition to other ham/shortwave bands. Ease of selection is for primary ham bands of 80m, 40m, 20m, 15m and 10m. Center tuned frequencies for these ham bands as well as other tuned frequencies for this model are as follows (approximate).
General: Provides very good coverage from 5 to 22 MHz. Ease of selection is for primary shortwave bands 41m, 31m, 19m, 16m and 13m. Center tuned frequencies for these shortwave bands as well as other tuned frequencies for this model are as follows (approximate).
Looks Provided is a sleek and light weight design that is small considering the “HF” gain delivered. “Small” is used when compared against portable antenna systems that can be much bulkier. The housing is acryllic with a black finish applied. The design of this HT HF antenna allows it to be used handheld.
Ease-of-Use Either available version of this antenna, ham or shortwave, provides 5 push buttons to easily access major bands within the HF spectrum.
What's Included
Note: The quick quide shown in packaging is based on the current best known settings and is subject to change (if improvements to guide are found). Many of the off-primary tuned bands shown will also demonstrate very good gain (as compared to standard VHF/UHF antenna or the antenna untuned using the 33.3” whip). Note that the housing is now molded as shown in the "Looks" section above. Conclusion It can now be worthwhile to use the HT on HF for SSB, CW and AM reception. This antenna adds greatly to HF enjoyment in handheld operation. Features:
as of 11/19/2007 Back to Product General Description Website contents © Copyright Performance HF, Inc. All rights reserved. |
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