COMPACtenna SW ?

[pnw73]

Have any of you tried the 'COMPACtenna SW' receiving antenna?

 

[K4EET]

Have any of you tried the 'COMPACtenna SW' receiving antenna?

I have not tried that particular model but I do have two antennas from COMPACtenna and both work great. One of the antennas that I have is a tri-band (146/222/440 MHz) antenna that is awesome. I even use this tri-band antenna for International Space Station (ISS) communications because of its design using the magnetic characteristics of the varying signal from the ISS as it passes through the atmosphere. I also have a similar COMPACtenna to the one you are interested in that covers 28 MHz to 450 MHz which unfortunately is an older, discontinued model. The low end of this antenna at 28 MHz performs amazingly well given its size. It is a perfect "attic antenna" for those that are Home Owner Association (HOA) restricted for outside antennas.

One key point for these types of broadband, lower frequency (3 MHz to 30 MHz) antennas to work at their design potential is the statement attached to most, if not all, of the COMPACtenna Model SW advertisements:

Requires Magnet Mount on 3 x 4 ft. Sheet Metal​

The 3 ft. by 4 ft. sheet metal is a great ground plane for the High Frequency (HF) (3 to 30 MHz) antenna. I purchased this 3 ft. by 4 ft. sheet from Home Depot about 3 years ago for just under $20 that I use with both of my COMPACtennas. The sheet metal ground plane really makes a difference in performance. You would really need this under your COMPACtenna Model SW to ensure optimum performance. One of these days I may get one of these COMPACtenna Model SW antennas for my attic to use for shortwave listening (SWL). I am very satisfied on the performance of COMPACtennas and their compact size is ideal for those needing a small antenna for a space-limited installation.

Finally, I can tell you that I have spoken to Dr. Jack Nilsson about his antennas. Dr. Nilsson is a man of integrity that has obtained patents for his antenna designs. I think you will be surprised by the performance of the antenna that you are interested in, especially if you cannot erect a full-size HF antenna.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Cheers and 73 (best wishes in ham lingo), Dave K4EET

 

[pnw73]

Thank you, Dave, for the feedback. I do have permission to string a wire, about 150', along the top of a wood fence. I'm hoping the COMPACtenna would provide equal or better performance because it would certainly be less hassle and more stealthy.