B&W Folded Dipole (Was: Re: [ICOM] Question abt 746 pro and G5RV combo)

[Jim M.]

The B&W uses resistor(s) in the center to give the illusion of low SWR.  I 
had the same results with one I purchased, as compared to a plain dipole.  I 
don't think it's too strong language to call it a scam.  N4BE


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "D C *Mac* Macdonald" <k2gkk at hotmail.com>
To: <icom at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Sunday, July 16, 2006 6:33 AM
Subject: B&W Folded Dipole (Was: Re: [ICOM] Question abt 746 pro and G5RV 
combo)


> We tried one of these at Field Day this year.  While it
> loaded up just fine, its radiation efficiency was so poor
> in the crowded conditions of Field Day that we hardly
> worked  ANYBODY!!!  We took it down and put up
> an ancient trapped dipole for 80 and 40 that hadn't
> even been adjusted for resonance anywhere and the
> the contacts started rolling in.
>
> Conclusion:  While SWR may be good with the B&W,
> it is  NOT  an antenna to use in crowded conditions.
>
> Better solution:  Doublet as long as you can make it,
> fed with ladder or open feedline (300-600 Ohm)
> and whatever balun you can find.  This is what I
> use with my IC-746.  My balun is one of the ancient
> Heathkit air baluns in an aluminum box.  For 80m
> the 746's tuner doesn't have enoug range and I
> use a Ten-Tec 238 tuner to get a match on 80m.
>
> Mac - K2GKK/5
>
>
>
> ----Original Message Follows----
> From: Larry Winslow <larry_w at comcast.net>
> Reply-To: ICOM Reflector <icom at mailman.qth.net>
> To: ICOM Reflector <icom at mailman.qth.net>
> Subject: Re: [ICOM] Question abt 746 pro and G5RV combo
> Date: Sat, 15 Jul 2006 23:18:16 -0700
>
> Take a look at the B&W broadband folded dipole. The 90' one will tune 80 
> thru 10 with no problem - the auto-tuner of my IC-765 handles every ham 
> band.. I have one and have never regretted it. Mine is down right now as I 
> lost the tree I had one end attached to but I'm about to put it back up.
>
> R&L electronics has an ad in latest QST for the antenna at $199 which is 
> way below B&W's price.
>
> 73 - Larry WØNFU
> larry_w at comcast.net
>
>
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