T2FD Surprise!

[K6GBW]

I recently bought and put up a B-Square T2FD (The 66 foot model). I needed this antenna to work with ALE and to use on some frequencies outside the traditional amateur bands. I wasn't expecting it to work all that well given that it uses a non-radiating resistor. The antenna is only up at 25 feet and erected as an inverted V. To my surprise the antenna has worked really well! 95 percent of use case is NVIS for nets in and around California, so whatever power absorption that is occurring clearly isn't enough to make a difference to the receiving stations. Another side benefit is that this is the quietest antenna I've ever used. It has also allowed me to get on 80 meters. That was impossible before since I can't physically fit an 80 meter antenna onto my lot. I'm not saying this antenna is the greatest thing since sliced bread, but it does have its uses!

 

[mmckenna]

I'm not saying this antenna is the greatest thing since sliced bread, but it does have its uses!

I've got a pair of White Wolf T2FD's that came as part of a grant funded HF radio system. I use them on some statewide nets (CalOES) periodically, paired with some Codan Envoy 2 fly packs. Strung up for NVIS, they work pretty well. Haven't really tried them on amateur radio frequencies yet, but some day...

Wolf Tactical NVIS/Fixed

Wolf Antenna, Wolf Kit, NVIS, Near Vertical Incidence, VSWR, Rollatube Mast.

www.whitewolfsystems.com

 

[K6GBW]

I love how all these various seller stick the work "tactical" in everything. I mean...as opposed to those "strategic" antennas! I wonder if non-tactical antennas are cheaper than the tactical antennas? Sorta like Chevron and their "Top Tier" gas...I mean I don't really need top tier gas in my Subaru so one day I asked for their "Second Tier" gas they just gave me a weird look!

 

[AK9R]

Seems like B&W has been selling T2FD antennas as "tactical" for longer than these other antenna companies have existed.

Top Tier gas is a nationwide thing, not just Chevron.

TOP TIER - High-quality Fuel Performance Standard - TOP TIER™

TOP TIER is developed and enforced by some of the leading automotive manufacturers and supplied by participating fuel retailers.

www.toptiergas.com

 

[Marcy57]

Has too be the most "quietest wire antenna" I just wish I had my RF Systems T2FD back was 45ft. long what gem !
wish I could get one maybe used somewhere!...73,s gud dx...Marcy

 

[Marcy57]

I think I looked at the Barker Williamson (BW) but was way too expensive...Marcy

 

[K6GBW]

Seems like B&W has been selling T2FD antennas as "tactical" for longer than these other antenna companies have existed.

Top Tier gas is a nationwide thing, not just Chevron.

TOP TIER - High-quality Fuel Performance Standard - TOP TIER™

TOP TIER is developed and enforced by some of the leading automotive manufacturers and supplied by participating fuel retailers.

www.toptiergas.com

Yes, but really...where is the Second Tier gas? I really wanna know!

 

[ladn]

Yes, but really...where is the Second Tier gas? I really wanna know!

If it isn't labeled "top tier", then it's second tier.

For instance, Costco gas is labeled top tier, but Sam's Club isn't.
Would be nice if we had the same labeling on radios!

From Consumer Reports: Top Tier Gasoline Is Worth the Extra Price, Study Shows - Consumer Reports

Top Tier Gasoline Is Worth the Extra Price, Study Shows​

An analysis by AAA reveals that gas with detergent additives can keep an engine running smoothly

Not all gasoline is created equal. There’s plain old regular, and then there’s regular gasoline that meets a higher standard, known as Top Tier gas. The difference between the two is significant, based on an extensive study conducted by AAA. Its testing revealed that consumers would be wise to factor the quality of the gasoline into their purchase decision, even if it costs a little more.