Here are some comments sent directly to us -
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Sent: Sunday, 29 Apr 2007 17:45:03
Subject: HFp Performance
I put the HFp up yesterday.................The world has come to life with CW. In todays words the HFp ROCKS!!!!!!!!!!
The antenna coupled with my IC718 I am able nail ops on crowded bands. Thus far I am copying ops from Isreal, Italy, Turkey, Belarus, Sweden, Germany and of Russia and the Ukraine plus more. I am like a kid in a candy store. Tuning the weak signals and getting a callsign.
I have the HFp in the 40 meter configuration. What a wonderful antenna.
Thanks
George Hupp - KE7MCL
[ Editor's note - at the time of this writing, George was in the military, on active duty in Iraq. Thanks for your service, George! We all apprecate the sacrifices that you and your fellow soldiers make on our behalf. ]
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Sent: Friday, 28 Jul 2006 10:04:38
Subject: Ventenna HFp vertical
I am a proud owner of the HFp vertical antenna. It is unquestionably the finest portable HF antenna system made.
One of my favorite places to operate is the top floor of a parking garage in the evening when the garage is mostly unused. But driving stakes to anchor guy lines is clearly out of the question.
The antenna shaft seems sturdy enough even at 40 or 80 meters for unguyed operation even in a moderate breeze as long as the base is firmly weighted. Am I correct? Or am I courting
disaster?
I understand the trade-offs involved between light weight and strength. I'm also a buddipole owner, and have replaced several parts damaged when the antenna was blown over.
But the HFp parts seem quite strong, and to have very low wind resistance. I can easily see how damage might occur if it blew over, or in mobile operation when the base could sway. But what about damage if there's no possibility of it going over? It seems quite strong...
Also, I'm asking advice based on probability and experience. I'm not expecting a guaranteed answer.
Thanks for your answer, and for a magnificent portable antenna.
73,
Charles E. Coldwell, Jr - WB5CTQ
[ Editor's note - Our response to Charles' question - "A while back, I set up a 40-meter length of
the elements on one of our window clamps, and positioned it to 45 degrees. The elements bent alarmingly, but did not break or show any distortion, even at the bottom, where the force was greatest. So, I'm confident enough to say that, if you break an element in normal operation, let us know, and we'll replace it for free." ]
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Sent: Thu, 12 Jan 2006 18:15:02
Subject: Ventenna HFp vertical
John,
The antenna arrived today in time for me to test it in a couple of configurations.
I was impressed by the quality of the finished components and the instructions; no trouble at all using in in a couple of configurations - I am very impressed with the quality of the product - well worth the wait and the confusion, and its ease of use will add to my portable operations for sure.
Today I used it with my K2, picnic table portable; I expect to shortly try it with my PRC-319 as well.
Thanks for the clamp as well; that is handy indeed.
73 de Dave, W5SV.
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Date: Sun, 11 Nov 2007 19:45:04
From: "David F. Reed" <davereed@w5sv.org>
Subject: HFp Dipole
John,
I was operating with the Ventenna dipole, first on 17 M (my favorite band when its popping) and than as an NVIS antenna on 4.011 MHz (NMCM MARS) - I am impressed continually with the performance, ease of use, and versatility. As my use of it increases, I just become more impressed.
Many thanks
73 de Dave, W5SV
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