Recent Textimonials
CQ de KB8VAO,
I'm the proud owner of a Gap Titan DX! Attached
please find some pictures. The antenna was purchased
and erected on 12/16/1995. The antenna is mounted on top
of a 20 foot flag pole. This summer I took the antenna
down for some much needed TLC. I ordered what I call a
re-build kit from Gap. All transition wires, and the counterpoise
wire were replaced and everything was scrubbed with steel wool pads.
The antenna looks new again! Yesterday I noticed the VSWR
was high on 15 meters, so I called Gap and talked with
Richard. It turns out that I didn't place the offsets in the
correct spot after scrubbing years of tarnish off the aluminum.
With Richard's help I was able to get everything in the correct
place, and tuned again. Thank You again Richard for your help.
Now the VSWR looks great across all the bands. While rag-chewing
on 75 meters last night, the report was, "I've never heard you this loud"!
As of today 11-3-09, I've worked 235 DXCC entities! I hope to
work you soon.
73,
Steve Gocala, KB8VAO
Click here for KB8VAO's Pictures
Chris here is a testimonial on my Challenger antenna. Thanks for
all your help and keep up the good work
January 12,2008
To whom it may concern,
I have installed a Challenger antenna. The antenna was real easy to assemble. I
put the antenna together in about 3 hrs. The instructions are excellent on how
to build the antenna. I installed the antenna on my garage roof on a 5 ft.
tripod. I do have the antenna guyed down. As you can see I put nylon rope on the
bottom of the guy wires for shock cords. The antenna has been up for 5 months
and has survived wind gusts of 54 mph. Chris advised me that I might have to add
on to the counterpoise due to mounting the antenna on the garage roof. When I
checked the SWR it was high on all bands. I added 10' of wire onto each
counterpoise wires. After cutting the extra wire down to 6 1/2 ft the SWR was
1:1.1 across all the bands. I have worked 5 countries on a 100 watts so far. I
have been receiving excellent reports on how the antenna is doing on 80 to 2
meters.
The attached photos shows the antenna up close and how the antenna is mounted.
73's
KD8GCM
Rick Landess
Dayton,Ohio
Click here for KD8GCM Pictures
To Whom It
May Concern,
I have had the GAP Titan up for about 4 months now, and I am very pleased
with the performance. The assembly was easy, the instructions were well
written, and all the parts were there when I unpacked the antenna. In
fact, some extra hardware was enclosed, and was most welcomed. The Titan
has performed well on all bands 80 to 10 meters, and the specifications for
the SWR were right on at my location. I have worked DXCC in four months
with the Titan, and would recommend the TITAN to anyone. I mounted the unit
elevated about 10 feet, with the counter poise above my head, and this
configuration has done very well. One note, the mounting mast
specification calls for 1.25". A standard galvanized 1.25" steel pipe
(Schedule 40) did not fit the provided insulators. This was solved with a
1" schedule 80, that did fit the insulators.
This is a great vertical antenna, and the best I have ever used. Comments
on the air have been very favorable, and at times others think I am using a
multi-element beam. So, I am sold on your technology and the quality of
the GAP Titan.
73
Matt Tinker AA8P
Ashland, KY
Hi Chris,
Just thought of sending you and your team my congratulations
for a well designed vertical. It took out my impression that
verticals are hard to deal with and won't get you good results.
I have so far worked 138 countries with just 100 watts and the
Titan DX. I had to bring it down though because of Hurricane
Emily which, thanks God, didn't hit us directly. I am awaiting
the arrival of the quick tilt mount so I can put the antenna up
again and work the DX. Attach is a
photo before I brought it
down. LONG LIVE GAP !!!
73,
de Ernie, AD5MD
March 28, 2003
New Titan
My first Titan worked well, although I had a little problem with resonance
because it was surrounded by large metal items - wires, cables, and a big
metal swing set. Even so, I still worked around the world. I moved from
that location to another half way across the country. In the new location
I have over an acre so I have room for about anything. But, looking at
the cost of towers and beams as well as all the safety and maintenance
features, I chose to acquire my second GAP Titan. It took me a good day
to assemble and install the antenna on my homemade base. Remembering my
first Titan's reaction to all the metal around it, I was eager to see what
this Titan did with nothing nearby but fir trees. Using an antenna
analyzer I was surprised to see the almost 1.0: 1 SWR across 10, 15 and
20. Forty is below 1.5 to 1 and 80 is below 2.0 from 3.75 to 4.0. In
fact, I was so surprised at these readings I used 3 other SWR meters and
got the same readings. I wondered, however, if I had installed a 50 ohm
dummy load. Turned on the rig and went to work with about 500 watts.
Here are the first 6 contacts (all solid copy) with the Titan: Aruba,
Galapagos Islands, Aruba (different station), Johnston Islands, Hawaii and
South Korea. All were on 20 except for South Korea which was on 15. Over
the past 25 years I have used many and varied beams, verticals, loops,
skywires, dipoles, dipoles with traps, coils, baluns, etc., etc. This is
the first antenna I have ever installed that my final reaction was: Don't
anybody touch anything -- that dang thing is working perfect! And, I
think it looks pretty setting there in among those fir trees (but I am
still working on the YL a little bit on that one). Thanks. Jim WB5K.
Hey Rich,
here is a picture of my Titan that was installed in September 2002 in
balmy Palm Bay fla. It works GREAT. 73 Marv K4YWC
I bought a Titan DX in August 2001. Put it through it's paces with a
TS2000x. Loved the antenna but the TS2000x didn't thrill me. Sold it and
went back to my trusty TS530S. Last week I bought a Yaesu FT817 QRP rig.
Now THERE is a FUN combination! "QRP with a GAP Titan DX" is often
transmitted from my station. Other hams are amazed at what 5 watts (or
less) can do with a GAP antenna!
73's de Ken KG0WX
Yesterday I thought I'd put my 18 month old GAP Titan DX to a test. I got
on 40 meters and tuned into the Central States Traffic Net on 7.253.5. Net
control was Jerry, WB0OSF. Jerry runs a beam and lives only 5 blocks from
me. I turned the output on my Yaesu FT817 down all the way then backed off
the mic gain until my wattmeter read 80 MILLIWATTS (!). I checked into
the net.
Here is a transcript:
***
Net control: "OK, next on the list is Ken, KG0WX. Go ahead Ken..."
KG0WX: "Roger Jerry and good day to everyone on the net although you are
probably the
only one able to hear me as I'm only putting out 80
milliwatts....."
Unknown station: "We can hear you in Kansas City!"
Unknown station: "Yea - we can hear you in Oklahoma City as well!"
Unknown station: "I'm hearing you in Dallas....."
Net Control: "Well, Ken, I guess that GAP Titan DX of yours is working
allright." ***
Signed, STUNNED in Wichita, KS
Ken KG0WX
Okay folks, here are the pictures from my Titan DX setup. I purchased the
antenna along with a Quick-Tilt ground mount at the Shelby hamfest in
2001. I set the Quick-Tilt in concrete and I must say that I am surprised
how sturdy the whole thing is! I did not use any guy wires as they were
not needed. Since I rent a house, I got permission to take down the old 10
foot satellite dish and put the Titan DX next to the concrete pad. This
antenna is a awesome performer!
Brett Clapper - K4BLC
Shelby, NC
GAP:
This GAP Titan is wonderful I just worked MN with <500 mw on 20
meters to get a 599. I worked a Asian Russian with <15 watts on 20 phone
and got a 59. THIS IS AMAZING. Keep up the good work a Super C is next.
HERBERT VAN DEN HOUTEN N2OPJ
> Hello there!
>
> Ok first of all, thanks millions for shipping my Titan DX antenna so
> fast!!!! I bought it last Friday and got it delivered on Monday - that's
> next business day!!. I just put it up today and it knocked my socks off.
> I'm getting excellent reports on most bands and haven't even installed
> the loop yet. I'm seeing my radio peg the 100 watts it has out which
> didn't happened with my previous antenna. SWR is super low on nearly all
> bands and I'm getting most 80 meters fine.
> Best regards,
>
> Julio
> W1JAR
> Thanks for an AWESOME product!!! I installed the loop today and 10
> meters is in business along, of course, with 40 meters that totally
> rock. AND, I'm getting 300 Khz of useable 80 meters band (or better
> said, my radio doesn't complain much between 3700 and 4000).
I'm happier than pig in sh*t with this baby! Thanks again for a
> great product and service.
>
> Julio
> W1JAR
Hello,
Yes, you may use the email. I can't say enough good things about the
Titan. Due to recent local high winds, and a less than perfect
installation on my behalf, I had to lowered the Titan to about 10' off the
ground; it's sitting on a cheap Radio Shack pole. With nothing more than
my plain 100 watts radio (FT-847), I've been busting pile ups everywhere,
even with that height. I really don't like contests but I've been enjoying
getting in there with the big dogs and receiving 59's every time : - ) Who
needs an amp? BTW, no TVI or other interference reported by neighbors so
I'm happy on that camp too. Yes, I might be able to get out
louder/stronger with a horizontal but that would limit me to just a few
bands at best... it's really cool I can just change bands and go with no
ant switches to flip, tuners to match and amps to load. Not to mention the
positive visual impact of having just one antenna. But I'm preaching to
the choir.....
73's
Julio
New callsign starting today: K4JRG
Debbie,
After receiving your 'Challenger' just 6 days after ordering, was a
definite surprise, as we are not used to such fast service here in
Canada. The box arrived intact from UPS.
I read the instruction manual completely before assembly, and
familiarise myself to the parts that were included with the antenna.
Assembly was a snap, and very clear, thanks to a well written manual.
It took me about 1 hour for the sub-assemblies, and double checked
everything before I tightened up the screws. The final full assembly
outside, in the driveway, was as easy as the sub-assemblies, indoors.
The following day, I erected the antenna in it's new location, with
the help of my wife, and fixed nylon braided 'trolling fishing line'
(of 100 pound strength) to the antenna as suggested by the manual. (
Better to be safe than sorry )
The most amazing thing happened, as I performed the 'SWR' checks. On
every band, my SWR was flat at 1:1 to 1, and elevated very slightly at
the end of all bands, but under no circumstances has the SWR gone past
1:5 to 1. I did nothing to the antenna, other than follow the manual
instructions to the letter !
I just wanted to thank you personally for a wonderful product, and the
ease at which it went together. This 'Challenger DX' is a unit that
you should be very proud of, and I am proud to display it in my back
yard. This antenna is everything that your company claimed it to be,
and much more.
I have made numerous long distant DXs: today I got into Kuwait City
with just 100 watts ! I was shocked needless to say.
I am running a Yeasu FT-847 completely stock without a linear, and I
made this contact today, June 24 th, 2002
Thank you once again,
Sincerely,
Geoff Clarke VA3-GXA Niagara Falls Ontario, Canada
> Hi,
> A good friend of mine Bill - F8AQK use a single TitanDX for 5 years now.
> His antenna is on his roof at 12m high. The output power used during
> this past years are 100W with a FT1000MP. Bill have 273 Dxcc entities
> confirmed. And work a total of 283 countries with two new one last week
> TI9 and P40.
>
> His Dxcc score is simply a demonstration.
>
> He asked me to send this short mail to explain the pleasure he had to
> work with the TitanDX antenna.
>
>
> 73's F8AQK - Bill in Nancy - France
>
> Via F5LEN - Pascal
> > Sirs: 3 March 2002
> >
> > If I may be permitted one more rave about your antenna:
> >
> > In the ARRL DX SSB contest just concluded, I pursued my practice of
> > "hunt and pounce" just to collect countries. The results, using 100
> > watts was:
> >
> > Continents worked - all 6. First 5 in 15 minutes.
> > Contacts completed - 82
> > Countries worked - 80
> >
> > All this in casual operating between other tasks, and not using much
> > of the available contest time.
> >
> > The only antenna used? The GAP Titan DX. Aptly named. It was a
> > pleasure to be able to switch bands at the touch of a button and be
> > able to work anywhere in the phone band without adjusting anything. I
> > have been using my Titan since June 2001, and I seldom use my quad
> > anymore. Thanks again for a fine product.
> >
> > 73 Gino Campioni WA7NUH
> > Monmouth, Oregon
> George:
>
> I purchased a Gap Titan DX on February 12. I had it together and
> on the Quik Tilt ground mount and plugged into the radio in about
> 2 hours after it arrived on February 15. I was ready for the
> ARRL DX contest.
>
> The performance on 80 and 40 have exceeded my wildest dreams. I
> simply cannot believe how loud the DX is from Eastern Europe,
> Asia, South America, South Pacific.
>
> Oh yes, did I mention I mention I worked 120 countries in the
> contest with 100 watts from an IC-706MkiiG?
>
> The next weekend, I worked TI9M on five bands, PW0T on two
> bands, YA5T on 10m. I have 21 countries on 80, 52 countries on
> 40.
>
> I had been told by many that the Gap Titan does not work
> well on 10 meters. I have 101 countries and some of the
> rarest DX (4J10TX, 7X4AN, 9K2OP, A45XR, etc.) all on
> ten meters in two weekends, running 100W or less.
>
> Did I mention, that I was impressed? I need to make
> the mount more permanent, put it in the back, and elevate
> it about 10 feet. Then it will impress the neighbors
> less and me more! This is a really impressive design.
> I'll send you pictures after I get it up out back.
>
> Bob McGwier, N4HY
From: "Charlie Trice, K8IJ"
To: <gap@gapantenna.com>
Subject: Field Day
Date sent: Sat, 9 Feb 2002 16:59:34 -0500
Hi folks,
After seeing your booth at the Miami Hamfest, I promised Richard I'd write
and tell you of our last Field Day effort using one of our GAP Challenger
antennas.
K4FBP and I both are very happy owners of the GAP Challenger antenna. We
decided to go out for Field Day for the first time in over 15 years, in
the WCF section of Florida even though we live in SFL. We needed a road
trip and Field Day was perfect!
After loading the rigs, computers, food and "refreshments" into the RV we
pulled Don's Challenger out of the ground at his ranch and quickly
disconnected the coax and counterpoise. We then placed the vertical on
the roof of the RV and tiewrapped it to the small railing front and rear.
It was great to leave it entirely assembled - what a time saver!
We drove from Ft. Lauderdale to Sebring and had the pleasure of setting up
in a rain storm. But setup was simple. We'd taken a 5 gallon paint
bucket and a piece of PVC pipe, and after filling the bucket with concrete
we had a portable (heavy) ground mount for the Challenger. We quickly
fashioned a counterpoise from some old RG-6, attached some light nylon guy
lines for safety in the windy conditions, ran the coax to the RV and we we
set to go.
We had a lot of fun, bar-b-cued, drank refreshments, and made a total of
888 QSOs to win the 2B-2 Op category, not just in the state, but the
nation.
Thanks for a great antenna!
Vy 73,
Charlie, K8IJ
From: "Mats Erik Sundin"
To:
<gap@gapantenna.com>Subject:
GAP VOYAGERDate sent:
Tue, 8 Jan 2002 22:44:39 +0100Good evening sirs.
My special thanks to Chris, who helped me sort out a problem with my
VOYAGER.
I am living in the central part of Sweden and have been QRV on the GAP
VOYAGER for about two months. My problem was, how to lower the resonant
frequency on 160 and 80 mtrs, to be able to transmit on the frequency
segments which are allowed in Sweden. Chris helped me out just fine.
The VOYAGER works just fine on 40 M and 80 M SSB, and now, since Chris
told me how to lower the resonant frequency on 160 and 80 I expect to work
some nice DX-s on CW as well.
Anyway, a look in my log book will show You just how well the VOYAGER
works on 40 M. I have been using only 100 W from an ICOM-746 and the
VOYAGER. Here from Sweden I've have worked: ZD7 (with the "European ZOO
pileup") received 599 on my second call. 9M2 and A35 also came in my log
(still with 100 W).
On 80 I have worked W6 long path (on the grey line effect) and more,
just with 100W.
Canīt wait for the new capacitor to get me into the CW-portion on 80
and 160 and then with full power from my 8877 PA.
I am enclosing three pictures from my QTH, very close to a lake, when
we erected the antenna. Only three days after the erection we had a
severe hurricane which took down several trees
here, but the GAP is still standinī there.
I think I made the right choice, GAP, and I will stick to it.
73īs de /SM4IED/Matt
12/31/01
My callsign here in Canada is VE3/A22EW and my home call is A22EW.
From our side, wishing you and GAP a great New Year and looking forward to
great products this year.
Subject: Re: GAP Challenger DX VI praise
Hi
I bought my first ever vertical in June this year. Given space
restrictions at my home, this was the only way to go.
Having worked and designed home made antennas ie. rhombics and quads for
HF, this was my first vertical antenna; understandably the pessimism about
its performance. My friend had worked with a trapped vertical before and
I had never been impressed by its performance.
The project to piece the antenna together was a very intensive task (2
days). Thus recommending GAP to revise the assembly manual to use easier
language explain the process. Nevertheless GAP's website contained
several photographs which helped in understanding the complete assembled
unit.
Once the antenna was setup; the performance was remarkable. DX
performance is outstanding using only 30 watts. The antenna complements
my commercial shortwave listening hobby as well with excellent results.
The antenna is extremely quiet as opposed to my friend's Hy-gain vertical.
Coming from an antenna farm in Africa, this is one antenna I will most
definitely recommend for DXers with extremely limited space for all round
performance.
Sajid
GAP ANTENNA PRODUCTS INC. November 20, 2001
99 North Willow St.
Fellsmere, FL 32948
I’m so pleased with your EAGLE DX antenna and decided to write a letter applauding your company for designing such a fine 6 band antenna.
Through the years I have built many single and multiband antennas. The performance of these antennas always left me very frustrated.
My son purchased an EAGLE DX and he felt it was time for me to invest in a store built antenna like the EAGLE DX antenna.
I purchased my EAGLE DX antenna about two months ago. The antenna arrived on a Friday afternoon and I spent the evening reviewing the instructions plus checking out all parts. The next day I assembled it in about a hour. The first thing I did was check the SWR readings on all bands. Made several contacts that day plus talked with my son on twenty meters.
The antenna was pretuned from the factory but I did not lock in the extenders. Reason, I did not want to warp the aluminum tubing until I customized each band for where I operate.
Have the antenna tuned so flat now on each band so it looks like a dummy load. Needless to say, no tuner is required! I have worked Italy, England, Canada, Azores, and all but two States using the EAGLE DX antenna. I have done this using my home built 10 watt transceiver K2 kit from Elecraft as seen in the QST magazine.
I have enclosed some pictures of the antenna. The best part is the antenna can be removed in 7 minutes or installed in same time. The PVC pipe is covered with a PVC cap when the antenna is not in use. The antenna is very light weight and that is very good for a 76 years old like me. When I get old I plan to think about using a quick tilt ground mount.
Sincerely,
Robert E. Morse, W5SVX
From: Lee Wolf WU0V
November 06, 2001
Looking at the gallery on the web site it occurred to me that I have a
photo of my GAP installation too, attached. The antenna is a scant 15
feet from the house, and although there's foil-covered insulation under
the siding my signal apparently gets out. I had a 20M RTTY QSO with
Reunion Island last week at 40 Watts with a 599 report, and I worked
Australia on 20M at 30 Watts. Not bad results from the center of the
continent. When I run PSK31 I get results like others do who have towers
and Yagis.
Lee Wolf, WU0V
From: "Dennis"
To: <gap@gapantenna.com>
Subject: My Titan DX
Date sent: Fri, 2 Nov 2001 12:33:09 -0500
Hi George, here are a few pictures of my Titan DX and how I mounted it. It
is about 60 feet from the house, in some trees and works better than I
ever hoped. DXing has become a joy to work and if I can hear them I can
talk to them. Last night I heard a pile up on 20 meters and caught the
call KC4AAA from the south pole. Running a Kenwood TS-2000 bare foot from
Cleveland Ohio I got him on the 2nd try with a 59 report! Thanks for a
great antenna, Dennis KC8SEV
Date sent: Tue, 04 Sep 2001 07:18:57 -0500
To: gap@gapantenna.com
From: Bruce Potter, N4PSY
Subject: Restored early Gap Challenger pics
Hi,
I recently got what turned out to be an early Gap Challenger vertical from
a fellow ham operator who had no idea what it was. I found out when I
happened to see an ad with an illustration of one of your other vertical
antennas that looked similar to the one I had just got. When I got on your
web site, the first antenna I happened to check out was the Challenger, so
I called your company to try to find out if the antenna I had was the
same.
One of your techs was kind enough to help identify the antenna. After
asking some questions about parts of the antenna and how it was put
together, he confirmed it was one of the early versions of the Challenger
and that it apparently was complete from what I was able to tell him about
it. He was also able to give me some critical information that I couldn't
find in your downloadable manual for it or from the antenna because of
changes made by the guy I got it from when he tried to get it working after
he got it from someone else.
The biggest problem I had was the coax feed system inside the mast had
been altered and some wires connecting the Gap section and the tuning
stubs had been broken and the guy I got it from wasn't sure if he had
things wired right on it or not and I had nothing to go on when I got it.
The upper section of coax above break in the shield at the center Gap
insulator feed section was much shorter then I was told it should be, and
the break in the coax had been redone in an attempt to rewire the antenna
with wires that were too thick only twisted to the shield ends. Based on
the information your tech was able to give me, including the approximate
length of the upper section of coax from the Gap section to the top, I was
able to restore the coax feed system inside the antenna and rewire the
antenna's tuning stubs properly.
The green sealed capacitor at top checked out as not shorted, and because
the antenna was old I broke the insulation off the lugs on the capacitor
unit in the top and cleaned the lugs and wire ends and got a good solder
connection between them. I also replaced the crimped on lugs on the coax
with new ones which were soldered, as well as the crimped on ground wire
lug that attaches to the top of the mast.
First swr checks on the 75/80 meter band after getting the antenna up
showed it was resonating higher then the top of the band. Since the length
of the top half of the feed coax inside the antenna was questionable and
the tech had said the length he told me was approximate and might be off a
bit, I took a guess that it might be short because the antenna was
resonating too high in frequency. I spliced in about 4 1/2 feet of coax
about 6" down from the end of the antenna's upper coax section and checked
again. The swr was almost flat just below 3,900 kc, so I removed the the
3" taped length of the splice just in from the end of the coax, and
spliced the coax together again. Another check showed the swr was almost
flat just above 3,900 kc, which was right where I wanted it.
Further checks of swr on all bands the antenna is supposed to work on from
80 meters through 10 meters showed less then 1.3 to 1, some bands being
lower then others, and shows around 1.1 across most of the 2 meter band,
rising up gradually after 147mhz to 1.4 at 148mhz. I don't have anything
with 6 meters in it so can't test the antenna on that band but suspect if
the other bands are this good 6 would be as well.
I've gotten 10 and 20 over S9 signals on 40 and 80 from the antenna using
a 100 watt Icom IC-718 and an estimated 80-90 feet of mini 8/u coax from
the bottom of the antenna to the swr meter, with a few turns of it coiled
up behind the couch rather then cut it.
The coax now in use between the Gap center section of the antenna and the
swr meter in my home is made of two sections spliced directly together,
the outer end of the second section going up inside the antenna and is
spliced to the upper coax section in the top half of the antenna. There
are 4 splices in the coax between swr meter and the top of the antenna,
and they don't seem to affect swr or performance at all. I note that I've
spliced many coax pieces together over the years without any noticeable ill
effects on antenna system operation and swr. Sometime when I get more coax
I'll replace the multi-spliced coax feed system the antenna now has, but
at least with this patchwork coax it's in operation again!
As per the instructions, I have three 25' radial wires spread roughly
equally out from the base of the antenna. Just to experiment I also tried
adding two extra wires lengthwise down the lot cut for 40 and 80 meters.
These extra radials didn't seem to affect the swr noticeably and I can't
tell yet if they've made any noticeable difference in operations on those
bands, but if there is any improvement it doesn't seem to have been enough
to justify adding them, which confirms the manual information that
indicates adding extra wires won't noticeably improve the performance.
The attached pictures show the Challenger as I first saw it laying in the
driveway of the ham I got it from, in my yard near the shed just before
setting it up, as it stands next to my shed in operation now, and a shot
of it at dusk with the moon to one side of it.
The antenna performs quite well considering it's so close to the shed,
which has riding lawn mowers and other metal stuff inside, and considering
the row of trees on the one side and woods to the rear. I live in a
trailer park and am not allowed to put anything out in the yard or have
anything attached to the trees, so I have to make do with what I can put
next to my shed and mobile home and what I can string between them.
I didn't think to get the name of the kind tech who took the time to help
me identify the old Challenger, but he seemed to enjoy helping me find out
what it was. He also seemed quite interested that I had such an early
model and I got the impression he really wanted to see it put back in
operation again. His kindness and the time he spent helping me are very
much appreciated and will be remembered. I have been suggesting people
check out your company's antennas when I hear someone is looking for a
good vertical, and I let them know you folks do help people who need help
with one of your antennas even if it is an old one.
If someone at your company could find out who helped me and let him know
his efforts were worth his time, show him the pictures of the antenna he
helped me with, and let him know it's now back on the air, that would in a
small way pay him back for his priceless help. Without his time, kindness
and help, and some critical information I needed to be able to fix it up,
this antenna would have ended up as a source of scrap materials to use for
other antenna projects.
I apologize that this email is so long, but I thought you folks might
find the story of this old Challenger interesting, and wanted to give you
something back for the help your tech gave me. Many thanks to him and your
company for helping me get it working again. I'm retired due to health
problems and my limited income doesn't often allow me to buy expensive
equipment new, so this antenna is a real blessing for me due to the
trailer park restrictions and limited funds available for ham gear.
Please feel free to post the pictures on your site, with whatever few
comments on the history of this antenna you feel suitable.
Sincerely,
Bruce Potter, N4PSY, from Toney, Alabama
Click here to see N4PSY's Pictures
From: "Beavers, Larry L"
To: "'gap@gapantenna.com'" <gap@gapantenna.com>
Subject: RE: TITAN
Date sent: Mon, 25 Jun 2001 12:04:56 -0400
Hi Chris,
Sure, you can use my email if you like. I had some interesting reaction to
my new antenna. One neighbor (a former airline pilot) recognized it as an
antenna but wondered who I could talk to with it. I told him "the world".
He was interested in the hobby and might be a potential ham. Another
neighbor was quite curious and thought the counterpoise might be a
clothesline but couldn't understand why it was 10' off the ground! He was
quite interested as well and I invited him over to see the station
sometime.
One thing I appreciate about the TITAN is that it blends in well with the
sky for the most part and certainly doesn't stand out like a big
tri-bander on a tower.
This past weekend at my club's Field Day operation I had a chance to talk
with some fellow hams about the TITAN. We had an R6000 in operation and
the owner complained about the traps having to be replaced/rebuilt. I
pointed out the trapless TITAN and they were interested so I have them
your website URL. I am not trying to come on as a salesman for GAP but I
seem to have had several opportunities to talk about the TITAN. I guess the
word I would use to describe my experience with it would be "fun". Keep
upu the good work.
I will send you a picture or two of my installation within the next week
or two.
73,
Larry L. Beavers CPBE W1GTA
Assistant Chief Engineer
WBZ Newsradio 1030
From: "Beavers, Larry L"
To: "'gap@gapantenna.com'" <gap@gapantenna.com>
Subject: TITAN
Date sent: Mon, 25 Jun 2001 08:23:03 -0400
Dear Gap:
I purchased a Gap TITAN DX about one month ago and I just wanted to give
you a report on the antenna. To put it mildly, I am very much impressed
with the performance on the TITAN. I assembled the antenna on a Saturday.
I took about 2 hours and it went together smoothly. The antenna was
placed on the ground and leaning up against my house for the initial test
and it went fine, with VSWR's as advertised. The 80 meter resonance point
was 3.950mHz. All other bands were under 1.7:1.
I mounted the antenna on a 10' pole, braced at the northwest corner of my
house. I chose to use the Gap guy kit since we do have some healthy winds
here coming up from Mt. Hope Bay to the west. It provides better
operating stability on a windy day. Just to give you an idea of
performance, here are some of the QSO's I had during the first two days of
operation on 12, 15 and 20 meters: UA6, OT1, OH2, SK3, G4, EA5, GB0, 794,
PY2, DU3, JR0 and to my pleasant surprise a YB0 in Jakarta. He gave me an
S9 using 80 watts on 12meters SSB. He said I was unusually strong
considering I was under 100 watts. Granted the band conditions were good
but I was impressed the report. The TITAN has been doing very well QRP as
well working Europe and South America easily on CW. I've had no problem
working my weekly QCWA net stations in next door NH and VT on 75 meters.
Plenty of DX on 40 as well.
I have been telling all of my friends about the antenna and encouraging
them to look into the GAP TITAN as a great antenna for limited horizontal
space. Keep up the good work.
73,
Larry L. Beavers W1GTA
Click here to see W1GTA's Pictures
Date sent: Tue, 26 Jun 2001 14:05:51 -0700
From: Gino R. Campioni
To: gap@gapantenna.com
Subject: Titan DX Vertical
Hello, all,
Your GAP Titan arrived in perfect shape. It went together
easily. (except for a little struggle getting the base mount onto my
mast)
On completion this morning, I found the SWR on all bands to be as
specified. I see no need to adjust anything.
On the first call JN2FOQ gave me a 5 X 7.
I am very pleased with this antenna and feel it will be a very durable and
worthwhile installation. Thanks very much for a fine, well engineered
product.
73 Gino WA7NUH
Date sent: Wed, 27 Jun 2001 09:01:42 -0700
From: Gino R. Campioni
To: gap@gapantenna.com
Subject: Re: Titan DX Vertical
Hello Chris,
Yes, you are welcome to use my comments on the Titan. I am becoming
more impressed with it as I continue to use it. Last night I contacted
N5XB on 18 MHz, 9A4PA, OK2JS, and IK1FLF on 14 MHz., all on the first
call! I was also heard OK on the Titan by VK4MDS and ZL1ADG on 21 MHz,
though not as strong as on my quad, but readable nevertheless.
Thanks again for a great product.
73 Gino WA7NUH
From: Beavers, Larry L
To:
gap@gapantenna.comSubject:
TITANDate sent:
Mon, 25 Jun 2001 08:23:03 -0400Dear Gap:
I purchased a Gap TITAN DX about one month ago and I just wanted to give
you a report on the antenna. To put it mildly, I am very much impressed
with the performance on the TITAN. I assembled the antenna on a Saturday.
I took about 2 hours and it went together smoothly. The antenna was
placed on the ground and leaning up against my house for the initial test
and it went fine, with VSWR's as advertised. The 80 meter resonance point
was 3.950mHz. All other bands were under 1.7:1.
I mounted the antenna on a 10' pole, braced at the northwest corner of my
house. I chose to use the Gap guy kit since we do have some healthy winds
here coming up from Mt. Hope Bay to the west. It provides better
operating stability on a windy day. Just to give you an idea of
performance, here are some of the QSO's I had during the first two days of
operation on 12, 15 and 20 meters: UA6, OT1, OH2, SK3, G4, EA5, GB0, 794,
PY2, DU3, JR0 and to my pleasant surprise a YB0 in Jakarta. He gave me an
S9 using 80 watts on 12meters SSB. He said I was unusually strong
considering I was under 100 watts. Granted the band conditions were good
but I was impressed the report. The TITAN has been doing very well QRP as
well working Europe and South America easily on CW. I've had no problem
working my weekly QCWA net stations in next door NH and VT on 75 meters.
Plenty of DX on 40 as well.
I have been telling all of my friends about the antenna and encouraging
them to look into the GAP TITAN as a great antenna for limited horizontal
space. Keep up the good work.
73,
Larry L. Beavers W1GTA
From: Beavers, Larry L
To: gap@gapantenna.com
Subject: RE: TITAN
Date sent: Mon, 25 Jun 2001 12:04:56 -0400
Hi Chris,
Sure, you can use my email if you like. I had some interesting reaction to
my new antenna. One neighbor (a former airline pilot) recognized it as an
antenna but wondered who I could talk to with it. I told him "the world".
He was interested in the hobby and might be a potential ham. Another
neighbor was quite curious and thought the counterpoise might be a
clothsline but couldn't understand why it was 10' off the ground! He was
quite interested as well and I invited him over to see the station
sometime.
One thing I appreciate about the TITAN is that it blends in well with the
sky for the most part and certainly doesn't stand out like a big
tri-bander on a tower.
This past weekend at my club's Field Day operation I had a chance to talk
with some fellow hams about the TITAN. We had an R6000 in operation and
the owner complained about the traps having to be replaced/rebuilt. I
pointed out the trapless TITAN and they were interested so I have them
your website URL. I am not trying to come on as a salesman for GAP but I
seem to have had several opportunities to talk about the TITAN. I guess the
word I would use to describe my experience with it would be "fun". Keep
up the good work.
I will send you a picture or two of my installation within the next week
or two.
73,
Larry L. Beavers CPBE W1GTA
Assistant Chief Engineer
WBZ Newsradio 1030
May 21, 2001
Dear Friends at GAP,
In March of this year (March 21) I purchased a GAP
Titan DX Antenna
from your company and it arrived in just a few days.
The instructions were set forth in understandable terms, and I assembled the
antenna in my spare time. A Ham friend helped me pole mount the antenna,
again following your instructions.
I just wanted to drop you a line today to let you know that the
TITAN DX ANTENNA WORKS GREAT!
My first contact was with Asiatic Russia, and I consistently work
countries in Europe, South America, and some of the islands.
Just wanted to say THANK YOU!
From a satisfied customer.
Sincerely,
Bruce D Cummons
W8ZNV
P.S. A Ham for 55 years. (Extra Class)
From: Dan
To: gap@gapantenna.com
Sent: Saturday, March 03, 2001 8:24 PM
Subject: GAP Challenger
If you worked us during the 2000/1999/1998 CQWW phone contest it may
have been on my GAP. From the picture you can tell that it was a little
breezy that day. Wind in the range of 160km per hour can play havoc with
any antenna! The south coast of Labrador can be a nasty spot in late
October, or any time of the year for that matter. But what the heck,Zone 2
doesn't get any better than this!
The Challenger work well on all bands and was used as a back up to the
mono-banders and wires. It actually heard better(at times) than the full
size wire for 160 meters that was hung off of the Pointe Amour Lighthouse
at 109 feet. Of course depending on the time of day and conditions etc. it
was interesting to make comparisons with the full size wires or
mono-banders. For the most part I was delighted with my GAP. It always
heard well and some times even heard better as well as got out better.
I played with 12 and 17 meters with good results before the contest
started.It was nice to work lots of stations for a new one on the WARC
bands with just 80 watts. From my experience I would have to say that I am
most pleased with the results on 40 meters. Working VK's and ZL's barefoot
was a blast! For me the GAP is a "Great Antenna!"
73,
Dan Goodwin VO1MX VO2ZZ
Date sent: Fri, 09 Feb 2001 03:47:38 -0600
From: Ken Lambert
To: gap@gapantenna.com
Subject: Titan DX
I just finished erecting my Titan DX tonight and I have a few comments.
All good. I have been off the air for about 10 years. When I retired
the first of January, I decided to take my Kenwood TS-440S back out of
its box and put it on the air again. I had no antennas so I rigged up a
couple of dipoles for 15 and 10 meters until I decided what antenna to
purchase. Being off the air for so long, a lot has changed in amateur
radio, including antenna technology. I have always liked verticals
because of their small space requirement but I had two competitor brands
back in the 70s and 80s and they provided moderate to poor operating.
In only three days of operation last week on 15 and 10 meters, I swear
that 1/2 or very close to 1/2 of the hams I contacted were using GAP
antennas. That single factor impressed me but so did the quality of the
signals. I got on your web site and read every word about every antenna
you manufacture. I looked at the photographs you provide, from
customers, and I became even more impressed. On Friday, Feb. 2nd, I
contacted Associated Radio, in Overland Park, Kansas, a company name I
got from your dealer list. The salesman was courteous and helpful.
They sent the antenna out that day and I received it, via ground
delivery, on Feb. 7th. It is now early, and I do mean early (3:30 a.m.)
on the 9th and I am using my new Titan DX.
Assembly was a snap, although I must comment that some of the
instructions are a bit vague. I had the unit assembled the same evening
I got it. On the morning of the 8th, I mounted it on a steel pipe with
the base 5 feet above the ground. It took only a few minutes to lift it
into place and then an additional 55 minutes to install the counterpoise
and get coax run to my rig.
The thing that truly amazed me is 75 meter operation, which I must
admit, I was very skeptical about with a vertical antenna. Your manual
hit it exactly right. I have a nice 100 khz operating range from 3850
(with an SWR of 1.7:1) to 3950 (with an SWR of 1.3:1). At 3900 the SWR
appears perfectly flat. The SWR bridge needle did not move. On 40
meters the SWR ranged from a low of 1.4:1 on 7300 to 2:1 on 7225, which
I consider respectable. The highest SWR I have, in the frequency ranges
I want to operate, is 1.3:1. UNBELIEVABLE!!
I have only about two hours of operation on the antenna but I have
already led three hams to your website. They could not believe my
signal on 75 meters. If my continued operation with the Titan DX is as
pleasurable as those first two hours, I'll be a "happy camper" for a
long time to come.
Your technology was a true "shot in the arm" for the vertical antenna
and the quality of your product is commendable.
Thanks,
Ken Lambert
WA5EOG
From: "Gilbert D. Lappay" <gilsan@digitelone.com>
To: <gap@gapantenna.com>
Subject: Report
Date sent: Fri, 27 Oct 2000 21:29:27 +0800Debbie,
Hi!
I received the Titan DX three days ago and it is up on the roof now
at
about 15 ft. but only about 3 feet above the metal roof. Since then I
have
logged K5K (KH5, Kingman Reef) on several bands with it. Today as I was
making SWR curve tables I switched to 6M as I had read at the web site
that
it may work on 6M too. The SWR is about 1.5:1 there. Hf band SWRs are
very
good.
So, when I switched to 50.110 CW I heard 9H1BT calling CQ. Three
calls
later and he gave me 559! I transferred to 50.112 CW and called CQ too. I
bagged DL, 9A, YL, UR, OM and YU for my new countries. I had to switch
to
my 4 El. Yagi when Qsb set in.
Best regards,
Gilbert Lappay, 4F2KWT.
From:
Ken Kerwin - K6UXO
Date Sent:
Thu, 1 June 2000 17:39:59 EDT
Subject:
GAP Titan DX Performance
To:
gap@gapantenna.com
Hi, Chris-
I thought you'd be interested in my experience so far with the GAP Titan DX antenna.
Mine has been up for about 1-1/2 years now, chimney mounted and guyed to somewhat in the clear from my heavily forested QTH. I've had not problems whatever with it, despite winds here have taken lots of tree branches and even one entire tree in that time.
I've used the Titan DX as the only HF antenna at my new Ohio QTH for just a little over a year of actual, casual operating (extended business travel sometimes takes me away). I just worked my 175th DXCC "entity" with it, and have now worked over 100 entities each on 10, 12, 15, 20,and 40 m.. All were on CW , using only what used to be considered normal DX-hunting techniques - 100 Watts, no amp; no nets, no lists, no packet cluster. I've observed that, if propagation is decent, I usually contact DX in pileups on my second call, plus or minus one. (Knowing where to place my signal does help a lot.)
Thanx for the excellent antenna.
Ken Kerwin - K6UXO
Date sent: Sat, 03 Jul 1999 20:15:40 -0500 From: JBA To: gap@gapantenna.com Subject: GAP Titan DX Gentlemen; I purchased a Titan DX antenna from your dealer in Overland Park, KS a couple of weeks ago via the internet. The transaction was easy, smooth, and without a hitch. Upon receiving the unit, my wife and I proceeded to assemble the antenna per the printed instructions. The entire process took us about three hours from opening the box to first transmission. everything went beautifully. We had no problems following the instructions as they are straight forward and concise. Once I began checking the SWR, I was very surprised to find that absolutely no further adjustments were necessary! In fact, the readings I obtained not only met, but exceeded your advertised specs in every case. The first three contacts I made on twenty meters were Bulgaria, Spain, and Hungary!!! Thank you for such a fine product! 73's de Benton Allen wb5twc Galesburg, IL
From: "rehayes"
To: gap@gapantenna.com
Subject: Titan DX
Date sent: Fri, 28 May 1999
I purchased a new Titan DX and let me tell you this antenna works. After a couple of hours putting the antenna together. I turned my radio and on and my ears came alive with world wide signals. Excellent SWR and it talks. Keep up the great work. Roger E. Hayes KJ7MS Pensacola, FL.
GAP TITAN DX - my review
|
Hello from 2 miles east of the GW border! Having seen some messages about the GAP Titan DX vertical I thought you might be interested in reading my review of that antenna I wrote for Practical Wireless in 1998. I hope you enjoy it. 73 David Butler G4ASR VHF Columnist (but qrv 1.8MHz - 10GHz!) ********************************* The GAP Titan DX multi-band Vertical Antenna. David Butler G4ASR No doubt you are one of many radio amateurs who own an h.f. transceiver and are looking for an antenna that will cover all frequency bands from 3.5MHz through to 30MHz. It's quite likely that you'll want to chat to the locals and at other times try your hand at working some DX stations. You may be interested in operating exclusively on c.w. or maybe s.s.b. or perhaps even both modes. But let me tell you that the perfect antenna that exhibits a wide bandwidth and has variable high and low angle radiation patterns to suit all propagation paths just doesn't exist. I wonder how many of you have looked longingly at the large antenna arrays that adorn the covers of amateur radio handbooks and magazines and wished you had the space for such radiators. Indeed how many of you are lucky enough to have a suitable location or are able to get planning permission for a tower adorned with a multi-band Yagi. Some operators might even find it difficult to erect a simple trapped dipole covering the 3.5MHz to 28MHz bands. So, instead of thinking horizontal why not think vertical. Verticals are very popular antennas for the low frequency (l.f.) and high frequency (h.f.) bands as they can produce low-angle radiation without requiring the very high supports needed for horizontal antennas to produce the same low-angle radiation. Verticals are designed to work in a limited space and make a perfect compliment to a horizontal dipole or any other type of antenna you may be using. However there some significant problems associated with verticals in general and multi-band versions in particular. A ground-mounted vertical antenna ideally requires a perfect ground consisting of an infinitely large, perfect reflector. In the real world however the ground is far from perfect with varying degrees of conductivity. Near the antenna there is a need for a good ground system to collect the antenna return currents without incurring losses. A good earth system normally employs a considerable number of buried wires or radials extending out to at least a quarter wavelength from the base of the antenna. Note that a ground rod or base post, although achieving a good d.c. ground, contributes very little to the RF ground system. In the case of a multi-band vertical it is conventional practice to use traps, coils or transformers to achieve auto-switching between the various frequency bands. Traps are problematical insofar that they must have a high Q to operate efficiently. Unfortunately this very process means that they also have a very narrow bandwidth thus restricting the overall antenna bandwidth. No doubt you've heard the stories about the use of trapped antennas during snowy and icy weather. On many occasions users have reported the snow melting from the traps. That's because traps can be lossy and the transmitter power heats them up. Loading coils and transformers also possess similar unwelcome characteristics and of course the more components parts there are in an antenna the less reliable it becomes. GAP Technology Recently GAP Antenna Products have implemented a revolutionary new antenna design which eliminates the inefficiencies and losses associated with radials and traps. Ironically, the premise for the GAP principle was the result of an anomaly of a quality assurance test. The test was to determine RF leakage from what was supposed to be a "sealed" box. Fortunately, one of the technicians responsible for securing the cover, had failed to fully tighten one of the screws. This resulted in small slit or GAP. Since the box was not tight, when energised, the RF literally screamed through this tiny opening. A few years ago the President of GAP Antenna Products George Henf KK4CW remembered this and wondered what would happen if he put a slit in a piece of coaxial cable. He hung the cable, cut for the 14MHz band, from a tree and made a slit where electrically he felt he would find a match at 50 ohms. His thinking was that if the feed point impedance of a full size vertical is 36 ohms and the top goes to infinity, then somewhere in between should be 50 ohms. Thus if the proper elevation is selected, the radiation resistance will be 50 ohms, a perfect match to the feedline. It was also found that elevating the feed point also reduced the earth losses. Technically, earth loss results from the capacitance of the antenna to ground, from above the feed point. Reducing the earth loss eliminates the need for a radial system. Instead a simple counterpoise system is all that is required. There are no traps in a GAP antenna. The elevated feed and the unique tuner rods enable the GAP to operate as a vertical dipole even though it is grounded. Eliminating traps makes the antenna more reliable and increases its operating bandwidth. This is the principle behind the GAP antenna. GAP Antenna Products manufacture a range of verticals including the 4-band Voyager DX (1.8MHz, 3.5MHz, 7MHz and 14MHz), the 6-band Eagle DX (7MHz, 14MHz, 18MHz, 21MHz, 24MHz and 28MHz) and the 8-band Challenger DX (3.5MHz, 7MHz, 14MHz, 21MHz, 24MHz, 28MHz, 50MHz and 144MHz.) However the antenna I'm reviewing this time around is the Titan DX shown in the photograph Fig.1. This is an 8-band centre-fed vertical using the GAP technology and requiring no radials. The antenna covers the 3.5MHz, 7MHz, 10MHz, 14MHz, 18MHz, 21MHz, 24MHz and 28MHz bands, stands a respectable 8M tall and weighs in at 25 pounds. It can handle up to 1500W of RF on all bands with the exception of the 3.5MHz band where the use of such high power is not recommended for continuous duty cycle modes such as r.t.t.y. or Amtor. Of course it will comfortably handle the UK limit of 400W on any band no matter what the transmission mode. As can be seen in the photograph Fig.2 tuning rods are located around the central mast section. Lengthening or shortening these will raise or lower the resonant frequency but as the lengths have been determined at the factory there is no requirement to adjust them. These rods act as vertical dipoles and are predominant for the majority of bands that the Titan functions on. The only exception to this is on the 3.5MHz band. To achieve resonance here a length of coaxial cable is used to compensate for the missing portion of the antenna. This cable is terminated in a capacitor, referred to by GAP as a CAP unit. Various CAP units are available to allow the user to select where they want their lowest band resonance to fall. Therefore before you purchase the antenna you must specify in which 100kHz slot of the 3.5MHz band you wish to operate in. For European usage you have to choose between 3.5-3.6MHz, 3.6-3.7MHz or 3.7-3.8MHz. This option only applies to the 3.5MHz band simply because the antenna is not tall enough to cover the entire band. On all other bands that the Titan DX antenna operates on the s.w.r. is under 2:1 and no adjustments are necessary. Simply turn the v.f.o. and go! The antenna is designed to mount easily on a 11/4 " heavy gauge steel pipe which can be any length of your choosing. That's because the Titan has an integral counterpoise system and as the feedpoint is elevated you can mount the vertical anywhere you wish. It can be located close to the ground, on top of a tall pole or even above the roof of a house. Although the Titan is designed to withstand substantial winds unguyed both GAP Antennas and the importers Vine Antenna Products recommended the use of guys as a form of insurance. (I bought three lengths of nylon guy very cheaply from a local camping store.) If you're going to ground mount the Titan then GAP recommend that the pipe is mounted in a 50cm diameter hole 1M deep or more and filled with concrete. I guess this is necessary if you don't want to use guys but as my QTH is 233M a.s.l. on the foothills of the Black Mountains the use of guys are obligatory. Before pushing in the steel pipe I laid the four rigid counterpoise rods on the ground to see what physical size they take up. In my opinion this is quite important as the counterpoise arrangement does sterilise 9 square metres of area. If I'd had more time I would have mounted the antenna just above the flat roof of my garage but for the purposes of this review I located it at ground level. Assembly The Titan arrives in a box measuring 7cm x 24cm x 2.5M. Inside you'll find all the necessary aluminium tubing, coaxial cable and associated hardware. The main sections and tuner rods are all made of double-drawn 6063-T832 aluminium tubing. This is an excellent material and much better than the less expensive extruded tubing. All of the antenna components have a real quality feel to them and even the coaxial cable is a special type that is rated for very high power operation. A 14-page installation and assembly booklet is also included. I'm pleased to say that this gives clear unambiguous instructions and contains many line drawings and diagrams to help with the construction. To get started with the assembly you'll need a flat space approximately 10M in length. A driveway or patio surface is ideal as it will provide a surface which allows you to find the screws that you drop! Assembly is really quite simple as all the holes are factory drilled and all you have to do is simply line up a big hole over a little hole and insert a self tapping stainless steel screw with a nut driver which GAP conveniently provide. The only other tools you'll need are a 1/4" screwdriver (and a soldering iron and cutters to connect a provided PL259 plug onto the end of the cable). Unlike other antennas where the tube sections are slit and held together by a hose clamp the main sections of the Titan are designed to telescope into each other and are simply held in place by a steel screw. The CAP unit which dictates the lowest working frequency on the 3.5MHz band slips inside one of the sections and cannot be changed (easily) once the antenna completed. All the plastic tuner rod standoff insulators are pre-positioned on the various mast sections. It's only necessary to loosen their clamps, twist them into the correct plane and then re-tighten. The tuner rods simply slip into holes provided in the insulators and are held in place by a locking screw. The assembly was very straight forward and I encountered no problems whatsoever. It took me a leisurely three hours to read through the instruction booklet, identify all components and assemble the antenna. Now it was time to place the Titan onto the ground post. Although the Titan is 8M tall I accomplished this task single-handedly, although it may be useful for another hand to be available during this operation. Because of it's size it's not recommended that the counterpoise hoop assembly, shown in the photograph, Fig.3, is fitted until the antenna is in an upright position. A bracket is fitted to the lower mast section by use of a hose clamp and then it's a simple matter of slipping in the four counterpoise rods. A length of copper wire is then threaded through plastic caps placed on the end of the rods to make a large square approximately 3M each side. The exact length of the wire affects the centre frequency on the 7MHz band but I just set it to the length given in the assembly booklet and left it at that. Measurements Now it was time to check the voltage standing wave ratio (v.s.w.r. but commonly termed s.w.r) of the antenna on the various bands. The s.w.r. is a measure of how well the feed-point impedance of the antenna is matched to the characteristic impedance of the feed line. (As an aside I should mention that in my opinion the use of s.w.r. as an important evaluation criteria is actually wrong. After all a dummy load will exhibit an excellent s.w.r. match across all frequencies! More meaningful would be measurements of antenna efficiency and radiation characteristics but these are far more difficult to measure.) To measure the s.w.r. match I used a Kenwood TS690S all-band transceiver and a Daiwa CN-410M cross-needle s.w.r. meter. The tests were very easy to perform and the results are shown in the table Fig.4. On all bands between 7MHz to 30MHz the s.w.r. was no worse than 2:1 and in many cases it was considerably better than this. This is excellent as it allows solid-state transceivera to work from one end of the band to the other without the s.w.r. protection cutting in. For the 3.5MHz band I had chosen the CAP unit which would allow the lowest frequency of operation to be 3.700MHz. I measured an s.w.r. of 2:1 at 3.675MHz, dipping to 1.2:1 at 3.743MHz and rising again to 1.8:1 at the top end of the band. The 2:1 s.w.r. bandwidth therefore was some 125kHz which is very good for a vertical antenna on this band. However it was probably more than this but my TS690S is programmed to stop transmitting exactly at 3.8MHz! Judging by the way the s.w.r. was rising though I reckon the actual (2:1) bandwidth would be more like 135kHz. After performing these measurements I then had a completely wacky idea of checking the s.w.r. on the 50MHz band. At the bottom end of the band the s.w.r. was very high (>5:1) however much to my surprise the s.w.r. improved further up the band and measured a comfortable 2:1 between 50.980MHz to 51.780MHz. Co-incidentally this covers all of the f.m. telephony channels centred on 51.510MHz. This was quite a revelation to me but not as much as the surprise I got when speaking to a GAP engineer about this added feature. He said they already knew about this and asked if I had measured the Titan on the 144MHz band as well! When I checked it showed a very good match across the entire band, with an s.w.r. of 1.5 at 144MHz rising to 1.7 at 146MHz. Of course these were the findings of the review antenna at my QTH so there's no guarantee these are reproducible elsewhere. Results It's often difficult to quantify how well an antenna performs during a short review period as there is limited time available for playing with it and of course the state of the sun-spot cycle and the prevailing propagation at the time play an equally important part. At it's lowest frequency of operation (3.5MHz) the performance didn't seem 'hot' at all. That's not really surprising as it's only 8M tall. It gets you around Europe reasonably well but DX signals from much further afield were many S-points weaker compared to my dipole. However once you move up to the 7MHz band and above the performance really starts to become quite impressive for such a relatively low profile antenna. Using the TS690S barefoot (100W) and resisting the temptation of turning on the amplifier I made a number of contacts on all bands. Highlights are difficult to assess (and possibly meaningless to other operators) but as an example of the antennas potential I made DX contacts on all bands including JA on 7MHz c.w., VK2 on 14MHz s.s.b. and PY and LU (also on s.s.b.) on the 28MHz band. And don't forget that it works on the 50MHz and 144MHz bands as well. A quick excursion onto these bands one evening produced three f.m. contacts on the 50MHz band, the furthest being at 90km. Up on the 144MHz band two f.m. contacts were quickly made, one station being 50km away. Bottom Line If you need an efficient vertical antenna that takes up very little ground space and covers all bands from 3.5MHz to 30MHz then the GAP Titan DX could be the antenna for you. It uses quality materials, is very easy to assemble and needs no tuning adjustments. Apart from the 3.5MHz band it covers the entirety of all h.f. bands with a low s.w.r. I worked some good DX with it on all h.f. bands and don't forget that although not in the specifications the Titan appears to work on the 50MHz and 144MHz bands as well. Actually the real bottom line is that I thought it was so good I actually bought the review model and you can't say better than that! Acknowledgements My thanks to Ron Stone GW3YDX of Vine Antenna Products for supplying the review model. Ron can be contacted at The Vine, Llandrinio, Powys, SY22 6SH. Tel. (01691) 831111 Fax. (01691) 831386 GAP Antenna Products Tel. 001 561 571 9922 http://x7.dejanews.com/jump/http://www.gapantenna.com ********************** V.S.W.R. data Band...Frequency...vswr...Frequency...vswr...Bandwidth 80M...3.675MHz...2.0...3.800MHz...1.8...125kHz...* 40M...7.000MHz...1.4...7.100MHz...1.3...Entire band 30M...10.100MHz...1.7...10.150MHz...1.5...Entire band 20M...14.000MHz...2.0...14.350MHz...1.7...Entire band 17M...18.068MHz...2.0...18.168MHz...2.0...Entire band 15M...21.000MHz...1.9...21.450MHz...1.4...Entire band. 12M...24.890MHz...1.3...24.990MHz...1.3...Entire band 10M...28.000MHz...1.1...29.700MHz...1.5...Entire band * Minimum vswr 1.2 at 3.745MHz Band...Frequency...vswr...Frequency...vswr...Bandwidth 6M...50.980MHz...2.0...51.780MHz...2.0...800kHz...** 2M...144.000MHz...1.5...146.000MHz...1.7...Entire band...** ** Antenna not specified at these frequencies.
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From: David Price To: gap@gapantenna.com Subject: Gap Eagle & 1998 CQ WPX Date sent: Thu, 18 Feb 1999 09:28:09 PST
Hi, My name is David Price of Gainesville Fla. Call WA4ET, formerly KE4ZQZ. Anyway just thought you guys at GAP might like to know, I scored # 1 low power Rookie USA in 1998 in the CQ WPX and # 3 or 4 world Rookie low power using a Gap Eagle DX. Regards David
From: "Michael Davidson"
Subject: Challenger DX Date sent: Fri, 6 Nov 1998 00:21:03 -0700
Michael A. Davidson N0MM Thank you for the literature and cap I requested. Well, after three weeks of operating the Challenger DX, I will say that in my 28 years of being a licensed ham and having tried practically all of the commercially available Vertical "All band " antennas, trapped and otherwise, plus a slew of home brew jobs, the Challenger is most definitely the best I have ever used. My limited Mobile Home park QTH was a very limiting factor in plans for any antenna farms. But no other antennas are needed. In spite of the Challenger being mounted within six feet of a chain link fence on two sides, there is no noticeable detuning and the performance is just outstanding. This is no exageration, I consitently bust "pile-ups" on 20M and am working DX like crazy on all of the bands. A Hams dream (without a tuner!) This just did not happen with my former 4BTV. The Challenger is all you say it is plus very much more. An outstanding job GAP! And thank you. Feel free to give out my E-mail adr for recommendations. If you are interested I am working on some photos of my very limited space installation here and would be glad to send them along. Very Best Regards Mike, N0MM (Former US Merchant Marine Radio Officer)
Date sent: Wed, 04 Nov 1998 03:10:07 -0700
To: gap@gapantenna.com
From: "David H. Walker"
Subject: Titan Antenna
Hi Guys. I have now installed the Titan Antenna on by balcony approximately 12 feet off the ground. My first test using an analyzer showed that the antenna was well within the published specs. I have now tested the antenna under some pretty tough conditions..snow and ice hanging off the antenna! I could not be more pleased with the performance. The antenna loads very easily and has produced some wonderful DX QSO's. Hanging the antenna close to the side of the house..about 8ft.. and the steel railing just under two feet away.. would make one think that the antenna would be difficult to manage. Not so! Even 40 meters tuned well. I will send pictures when the snow stops!! 73's David David H. Walker Aspen, CO KC0COP FISTS# 4748 RSGB# 178264 ARCI# 9676
Click here to see W6KY's results with a Challenger DX!
From: KrayZGreek@aol.com Date: Wed, 7 Oct 1998 01:55:07 EDT To: gap@gapantenna.com Subject: GAP Eagle DX
Dear GAP, I feel impelled to contact your company regarding one of your well designed products. I've had your model Eagle DX now for almost a year and have been VERY impressed with its performance. It works GREAT!!!! This antenna has put a big grin on my face. I have owned several other verticals throughout recent years, and I must say in all honesty that this one has outperformed them all hands down! I've noticed that stations now come back to me on fewer calls (mostly on the first and second), and the antenna's smaller size totally belie its big performance. I'm amazed at all the DX i've worked so far running only 100 watts, moreso because the antenna is mounted fairly low on a 10 foot mast attached to the eaves on the side of the house. It is apparent to me that this vertical doesn't even have to be mounted up high for it to get out and receive real well. And the fact that it doesn't require any long and ungainly radials to work well is truly amazing. As an example, the other evening, a 'VK' station in Australia gave me a good report, and I constantly obtain high signal reports from South Americans and European stations. Kudos to George Henf and your designers for a low profile multiband HF antenna that works like gangbusters! Keep up the great work. Regards, George Pituras W8KQE Cleveland, Ohio -- End --
Textimonial and Article from KF6PZG
Date sent: Sun, 11 Jan 1998 08:35:00 -0500
From: Edwin Shipley <eshipley@together.net>
Send reply to: eshipley@together.net
To: gap@gapantenna.com
Subject: Ice Storm
Hi, I thought you guys at Gap might want to see how your antennas hold
up to the worst ice storm in New England history. The first three
pictures were taken during the worst of the storm. The first two are of
my Titan DX the third has part of my Voyager in the far right side of
the picture. I am sorry that I didn't take a better picture of the
Voyager during the storm but it had so little ice I didn't think of it.
N1PEA
Click here to goto the pictures page!
Titan textimonial from Chris Allingham VE3FU / VO2AC
Date sent: Mon, 12 Jan 1998 20:26:08 -0500 To: gap@gapantenna.com From: cada@cyberus.ca Subject: GAP Titan survives!! Hi, As you may or may not be aware, Eastern Ontario, Western Quebec, and some of the New England states just went through one of the worst ice storms in recent history. The storm knocked over several hundred hydro poles, toppled about 15 or 20 large hyrdo towers, damaged countless tree, and left a million people without electricity. As a result of this storm, I am now the owner of a tribander cracked off at the center of the boom and left dangling from my 50' tower. But, I am pleased to say that my GAP Titan has survived!! The Titan is roof mounted at 25 feet and guyed to the 4 corners of the house with nylon rope. When the ice finally melted off the tribander, I took some in and measured it. What fell of the reflector was 6 inches around and what fell off one of the traps was 9 inches around! That's 3 inches in diameter!! The ice was in the shape of a "U", with the elements forming the indentation of the "U". For the trap part, the indentation was 1 inch, meaning there was another 2 inches of ice forming the "U". When I was looking for Canadian distributors of GAP antennas, I was told by one that they didn't carry GAP antennas because they didn't think they could stand up to the Canadian winters. I guess you and I are now having the last laugh. 73, Chris Allingham VE3FU / VO2AC Ottawa, Ontario, Canada cada@cyberus.ca
Titan textimonial from David Ditlow KC6LDO
Date sent: Thu, 01 Jan 1998 04:31:34 -0800 From: David Ditlow To: gap@gapantenna.com Subject: I Love My Titan DX Antenna Dear Employees at GAP Antenna Products, Ever since I put up my new GAP Titan DX, a whole new world has opened up to me. DX stations answer me after three tries instead of 50!!! I operate from a 2nd story apartment, and all of my local ham buddies say that my signal strength is up 2 to 3 S-Units since I installed your high quality antenna. My "old" antenna was a Hy-Gain DX-77 that (within 6 months) burned up a $300 antenna tuner, developed a short in 3 of the traps, and destroyed a low pass filter. After I installed the new GAP Titan, I had a few quick questions and called your customer assistance line, I had a great conversation with George. George was very knowledgeable and friendly. He helped me get the antenna adjusted to perfection in order to suit my exact operating needs. One thing I want to ask you for, is for some more of those little self-adhesive stickers to put on my QSL cards. I enjoy contesting and DXing, and I want people to know what kind of antenna I am using. I am interested in purchasing about 200 pages of the stickers. I want to pay for them because I know they cost you to have them printed. If this is possible, please just tell me how much you want for 200 pages and I'll mail you a check for them. Or, if you prefer you can call me and I will give you my credit card number. Thank You Again for such a great product that lives up to, "and beyond" my expectations. Your antenna has tremendously enhanced my enjoyment of amateur radio. I can assure you that at least three other hams have told me that they are definitely going to buy GAP antennas after hearing mine on the air. 73 and Happy New Year, David Ditlow, KC6LDO Past-President UCLA Amateur Radio Club 3645 Vinton Avenue #3 Los Angeles, CA 90034-5730 (310) 559-7175 I am in the process of switching e-mail addresses next week, so please e-mail any correspondence to both of the addresses below: ditlow@pacbell.net (active until January 6th) ditlow@mediaone.com (the new one, active after January 8, 1998)
Challenger textimonial from Dennis Morales KF6NJQ
Date sent: Wed, 12 Nov 1997 17:04:44 -0800 From: "Dennis H. Morales" Send reply to: dmorales@pacent.com Organization: POPCO To: gap@gapantenna.com Subject: Customer Appreciatiion I am very impressed with the "DX Challenger" antenna that I am using on a trial basis. It is a used unit but in great condition. The fellow who owns it can't put it up at his townhouse due to certain restrictions. He has offered to sell it to me and I am seriously considering it. But as impressed as I am with the antenna I am even more impressed with GAP's customer service and technical support. Keep up the good work and thanks for the help...! Sincerely, Dennis H. Morales - KF6NJQ
Titan textimonial from Gerald Georgopolis WF1D
To: gap@gapantenna.com Date sent: Mon, 1 Jun 1998 14:43:27 +0000 Subject: TITIAN DX From: gjg2@juno.com DEAR GAP; JUST A NOTE ; IAM VERY PLEASED WITH MY TITIAN DX VERTICAL. I DO HAVE IT ABOUT NINE FEET OFF THE GROUND FOR CLEARANCE. IT HAS HELD ITS OWN TO HIGH WINDS SO FAR...THANKS FOR A GREAT ANTENNA !! 73 AND GOOD SALES JERRY WF1D