THREE TRANSWORLDS IN A GARDEN
My neighborhood is in lock-down with HOA rules taken from the old soviet era. So I planted a clandestine garden and now I work the world when and where I want to. It helps to have at least one good neighbor with tall trees and a good attitude. These antennas perform well and I have finally completed the WAS (worked all states) requirements after lingering for a long time. It occurred during the second week with the TW antenna. 
I also have a new TW2010L in the the bag for use with my Icom 703Plus. Finally, there's a quick, simple, and powerful antenna set-up for portable use! I can sell the loaded dipole elements, wires, and quit messing with whips that need constant adjustment, especially with its ground wire. Yeah!
Used your antenna on the beach in Kailua Kona, Hawaii (BK29). Worked 5 continents the first time it was in operation!
Received the Adventurer last week and am very pleased with it so far. Worked a JA as first contact with 50 watts. I will write a eham review for this great antenna.
Tnx & 73,
Tony Morgan W7GO
Used the antenna at the Point Arena Lighthouse last week. They posted
the picture on their website:
http://wlol.arlhs.com/lighthouse/USA611.html
I also have it on mine: www.k6sgh.com/usa611.htm.
WORKED ABSOLUTELY GREAT OVER SALT WATER!!! Huge signals both on
transmit and receive. HUGE!! Amazing!!! :)
Steven Hammer, K6SGH
On the weekend that the CQ WW contest was going on, I was in Roswell NM, visiting my son at school. I kind of put up the antenna and started working DX. I must say that I did not put in much time working the contest, and ended up working 33 different Country’s in 17 Zones on 20m and 11 different Country’s in 6 Zones on 15m. Best antenna I have come up with to use with the 5er.
Got to say, I love this antenna. I have the new 40m center part for this antenna on order, and will have an 80m one soon.
73,
Mark K5WMH
Michael, Charles and eveyone else at TW:
Thanks so much for the TW Antenna for my event. It worked fantastically
and was a real pleasure to use. If you haven't yet seen my pictures and
text of my travels, you can do so at:
http://www.k6sgh.com/rte66_2008/journal.htm
I have also updated the review on eham at:
http://www.eham.net/reviews/review/73786
I spoke with hundreds of contacts about your antenna and i hope i have
generated interest for you. I am planning a dxpedition next year to 7
atolls in the marshall and gilbert chains. I expect to use your antenna
again from the deep south pacific and i am sure it will work wonderfully.
I will round up some good images of the TW and email them separately for
you. You are welcome to use any picture and any text from my website as
you please for your website.
Many thanks again for your support and the TW Antenna!!!
73, Steve
Steven Hammer, K6SGH
steve@k6sgh.com
po box 90309
santa barbara, ca. 93190
www.k6sgh.com
Hi Charles,
I like your antenna! Thank you for the chance to give it a try. I put it though a hands-on test and was impressed with its build quality and performance.
But with regard to my own experience with the 2010, I just sent my findings to Gordon West and Richard Moseson of CQ Magazine.
I attached three photos and I think Richard will run the Golden Gate Bridge shot (Photo 01) in the August issue. If you would like to use these photos after August, please let me know as I can send you full size files.
Here are a few points from my findings that I thought I’d share with you:
As far as going portable, it’s really in a class by itself. Although heavier, I like it better than my Buddipole, much better. It goes up in about 5 minutes and there is no tuning or fussing. It’s truly “plug and play.” It’s as easy as a beach umbrella to set up, the SWR was indeed 1:1 and signal reports were excellent. A net control operator in Seattle said my signal was as strong as any other signal from the Bay Area. Also, unlike the Buddipole, there are no threaded parts that might be damaged if accidentally dropped.
And the only serious limitation, keeping the coax and control cable away from the antenna at a 45 degree angle was not a problem. I simply anchored a set of “Cord-Wiz” reels (see photo 2, made by the Stringliner Company of Williston, ND www.stringliner.com) on the ground about 8 feet from the antenna and unraveled another 15 feet or so to my radio. (see photo 3). The Cord-Wiz is available from ACE Hardware for about $5. It’s a simple reel that lets you unravel cable from both ends. I can send you larger size files of these photos if you want them. …(end quote)
The only disappointment is the lack of solar activity: the bands are dead! I made a few contacts on 20 meters but everything else is wall to wall static. And so I am more than curious about your new 80 to 20 meter model. How is it coming along?
As I mentioned on the phone, my background is sales and marketing. I spent 35 years at Xerox selling high technology products. After testing your antenna and reviewing your ads, I have several ideas that I'd be happy to discuss with you if you wish. In the meantime, I think you have a home-run.
Regards,
Paul Bailey-Gates,
KA6GEM
"Everything about this antenna is first class, from the shipping carton and packing, to the antenna and controls. The first thing that struck me very positively was the way the antenna was packed – all powder coated parts where in a plastic sleeve. Controls, instructions and cable were boxed separately in the same carton.
"The antenna is a vertical di-pole, very similar in concept to a competitor (Sigma 5) and that is the only thing in common. The build quality is great and does not look like it was put together in a garage workshop.
"The antenna is very close to plug and play. The instruction manual in my opinion is well written and illustrated, and makes it easy to get on the air. Total assembly time for the antenna was about 8 minutes after reading the manual. Not one problem putting it together. I like the folding arms, should be great for portable use. The other nice feature is no nuts and bolts -- about 80% if the antenna is assembled when you get it.
"The control box for band switch is great, push button with LED indicator lights and built like a tank.
"The antenna, at least for me, required no adjustment of the tuning coils. SWR’s on all bands were 1.1 to 1, max was 1.5 on 17M. I used my LDG tuner to make the final adjustment, but you really don’t need the tuner.
"How well did it perform? Great!! I worked GB100J (England Boy Scout’s SE), France, the Ukraine, and Slovenia, CA, Utah, and Washington state on 20M phone. On Sunday I got all my 10M contacts needed for 10-10 International. I was using my TS-480HX, running about 100 watts. Signal reports were S8 to S9.
"I compared the antenna to my friends G5RV and Hustler vertical. It was about 1-2 S units better than both and much quieter than the Hustler and no need for radials.
"I think this antenna is well worth the price, compared to others of similar design, and no need for a 5 gallon bucket of cement (Quadpod is available)."
Randy Bartosiewicz W9RTB
"I worked DX contacts on seven continents with the Backpacker."
Michael Barrett N4ECW
"Talk about easy set up - just unpack, connect and begin working QSOs."
Jeff Littrell KG4TTK
"My neighbors don't complain about my antenna anymore because they can't see it."
Bobby Raymer N2BR
"Even at the bottom of the sunspot cycle I was able to work DX daily."
Dave Sparks N4OZO
"You don't need an amplifier. With 100 watts, if you can hear a station, you can work it."
Jim Keeton W4SOH
"Wow, at 1200 watts the Adventurer handles near the full legal limit of output."
Pete Golz KR4TI
"It's easy to carry, easy to assemble, and easy to set up."
Alan Lacy WW4DX
This is an outstanding antenna. I have been in and out of ham radio for fifty years with the "out periods" having a lot to do with finding an acceptable antenna for limited space. The TW2010 has been a marvel. Despite being in an electrically noisy environment and set up only six feet from my house, I am able to work anything I hear. World wide DX contacts are routine.
This antenna is very "stealthy" with black coating. My wife hasn't complained and the neighbors don't seem to have noticed.
As other reviewers have noted the quality of construction is amazing. Customer service is excellent. This antenna represents exceptional value.
Rev. Richard White / K1QF
I've had this antenna for a couple of months now, and I am very pleased. As others have mentioned the construction quality is first rate. I also own the competitor's 20-10 vertical dipole, and there is just no comparison in build quality. The TW2010 wins hands down. The antenna breaks down into three sections and goes together in just a couple of minutes. There are no loose screws or wingnuts to deal with. Everything has been well thought out.
Even though the antenna is small it brings in a surprisingly good signal. For me, no adjustments were necessary. Everything was within specs right out of the box. Compared to other small antennas I have used (ATAS-100, Outbacker Outreach, Sigma-5) this antenna can hold it's own.
I live in an area with CC&R's and a back yard the size of a postage stamp. This antenna has not drawn any attention. It is quite stealthy with it's black powder coating. Mine is mounted on a tripod about 6 feet off the ground. If you are looking for a stealthy multi-band antenna, or a portable that can be assembled/disassembled in just a couple of minutes, take a serious look at this one.
ANDRE V ZUNINO / KF6PKG
TransWorld Antennas 2010
Adventurer Antenna
10M
2.0:1 (or less) from 27.067 - 30.878
1.1:1 from 28.363 - 28.600
12M
2.0:1 (or less) from 23.766 - 16.376
1.0:0 from 24.720 - 24.950
15M
2.0:1 (or less) from 20.448 - 22.066
1.1:1 from 21.180 - 21.290
17M
2.0:1 (or less) from 17.713 - 18.526
1.2:1 from 18.098 - 18.165
20M
2.0:1 (or less) from 14.083 - 14.422
1.1:1 from 14.225 - 14.270
The info above shows the out-of-the-box and on-the-air SWR ranges measured using a MFJ Analyzer. No adjustments to the antenna switching box were necessary. The antenna was set up, coax and control cable positioned as suggested in the manual. The above was tested using the included 65’ control cable and a 75’ roll of RG-8X coax I already had made up.
The exceptional usable bandwidth should be quite understandable, given the outer diameter and constructon of the tubing used in making this antenna. Every aspect of construction seemed to convey the designer's thoughts of how they would make something for their own personal use.
The measurements above were made with the criteria being bandwidth below 2.0:1 and bandwidth at lowest measured VSWR. With the low amount of power going out from the analyzer, the numbers can only improve under actual operations.
These numbers are as precise as possible, given the touchiness of the MFJ Analyzer tuning dial.
Your mileage may vary, but I considered the results to be quite good.
Prior to getting the analyzer out, I connected everything up and tuned around. The first indication of what was to come was the rather large signal received on 13.306 from New York Radio.
I tuned around the bands, and found quite good reception; as good as band conditions allowed. I did make a contact on 20M; on the first call. I used 40 Watts to talk to New Hampshire from Coastal Georgia.
Dialing down to 14.300 to the Maritime Mobile Service Net, my check-in prompted NCS to ask what antenna I was running. When I told him I was using under 40 Watts into a portable antenna, I got the feeling that he couldn't believe the signal he was receiving.
Not exactly world class DX, but certainly not bad for getting on the air in 10 minutes or less.
I was able to copy a few stations in local communications in 8 land on 10m, and went in to check the other rig in the house connected to a dipole antenna and didn’t observe much (if any) change in signal strength or quality..
I used an IC-7000 connected directly to the antenna inside my garage, with the antenna setup on the driveway, as far away as the control cable allowed.
Inside, I compared the signals on a TenTec Jupiter connected to a Cobra Ultra-Lite Senior Dipole, which has always done a great job for an all-in-one wire antenna.
I purchased the entire line-up. I got the Antenna, Quadrapod, Transport Bag and interface cables for both Yaesu and Icom. The cables allow the rig to automatically switch the Controller to the proper band, as selected by your compatible CAT or CI-V output.
Packaging on this antenna and accessories gave me a real warm-fuzzy when I started to open things up for initial inspection. Warm-Fuzzy is a bit of an unknown quantity, but in my case, it was the feeling I get when I encounter something or someone that “gets it”.
The antenna came in one box, in a slide out inner box/tray that was made for this product. Each leg or section was enclosed in a plastic sleeve. The boxes were heavy corrugated cardboard with very clever interlocking inner corrugated cardboard boxes to provide safe shipping under adverse conditions. It won’t survive the delivery truck backing over it, but should endure most delivery mishaps.
Every effort was made to assure the customer gets a chance to put the first scratch on the outfit.
The controller was bubble wrapped and boxed separately, as were the interface cables and other accessory items.
The Transport Bag had its own carton, as did the Quadrapod.
Each carton was obviously designed for the product it contained.
Even if the antenna didn’t perform, the packaging is a real class act.
The construction is very nice and thoughtful. You get the impression that this setup was optimized in the design process to be built for proper fit, ease of setup and long term operation; not cheap production costs.
Everyone likes to choose a winner. I believe this will be one. I live in a coastal area, with a lot of barrier islands. With this antenna, I can do IOTA mini-DXpeditions without anything more taxing than a boat ride and conserving battery power. Antenna setup (for the bands it covers) is no longer a concern.
For Emergency communications, there is gold to be mined here. While the higher frequencies aren’t the first choice for regional communications, they will provide longer distant contacts and the ability to pass traffic from the affected area.
I believe there are plans to expand the TransWorld Antennas line-up to address the lower operating frequency subject, and may be introduced as soon as Dayton. Everybody stay tuned for that.
This is far from a scientific, lab instrument based test report. It is anecdotal at best. Having said that, the initial observations and testing make me very confident I have made a good choice. I will be a repeat customer when the frequency coverage is expanded down to cover 40, 75 and 80 meters.
For now, it is a good investment, with many hours of use ahead.
David Little KD4NUE
These are not my words but they fit this antenna to a tee:
"Everything about this antenna is first class, from the shipping carton and packing, to the antenna and controls. The first thing that struck me very positively was the way the antenna was packed – all powder coated parts where in a plastic sleeve. Controls, instructions and cable were boxed separately in the same carton.
The antenna is a vertical di-pole, very similar in concept to a competitor (Sigma 5) and that is the only thing in common. The build quality is great and does not look like it was put together in a garage workshop.
"The antenna is very close to plug and play. The instruction manual in my opinion is well written and illustrated, and makes it easy to get on the air. Total assembly time for the antenna was about 8 minutes after reading the manual. Not one problem putting it together. I like the folding arms, should be great for portable use.
The control box for band switch is great, push button with LED indicator lights and built like a tank.
The antenna, at least for me, required no adjustment of the tuning coils. SWR’s on all bands were 1.1 to 1, maximum variation was 1.5".
My words to add:
The individual(s) that came up with design concept had their collective thinking caps on.
Everything about this antenna indicates a superior performance of design right down to the packaging, which is usually the last thing to be done with the design money runs out. There is no tools required for assembly with the exeception of a permanent installation, and even then the tools required are minimal. The concept is like a Force 12 antenna, but better (sorry Tom). As a son of a retired but well respected metalurgist and a graduate of on of the finest engineering schools in the country (Cal Poly - S.L.O.) the M.I.T. of the West and for good reason. Metallurgy was a major requirement for my engineering degree.
Aluminum is a finicky thing, when exposed to the elements, particularly salt water, it oxidized something to believed. Next to anodizing aluminum, the next best thing to protect aluminim is 'powder coating'.
These guys thought of everything. Right down to the ability to 'put up' the antenna with someone who is all thumbs, like me. I am able to put this antenna up in under 10 minutes and be on the air. The control cable for the radio control of the antenna band is wonderful and is done one better than Force 12 (sorry Tom).
This antenna is ideal for ARES situations like Katrina, when time is of the essence, this antenna fits the bill perfectly for short term/high mobility use. It is capable of working the maximum amount of RF power required (use of a linar amp) particularly during an emergency. No radials are required, although if you really wanted to use them, you could modify this antenna set up if you feel the need, but you won't.
Also, if you can hear the station, odds are you can work it. This antenna is perfect for Field Day, I intend to use it at our clubs site as the GOTA station this year, unless someone else within our club comes up with a better idea.
Yes, this antenna is pricy, more than Force 12 (Sigma 5), but my impression, is with this antenna, you will get what you pay for in spades... I used numerous HF antennas in my 40 years as a amateur radio operator, but I must say this antenna has given me more operation pleasure than any other antenna I have used, including the Force 12 series,(again, sorry Tom).
If you are in the market for a next to ideal HF antenna for portable/emergency/field day use, this one is it.
Grant C Willner AD6RE
Hi Dennis,
Just an update.
This morning the propagation was very poor to say the least but I succeeded
to have a qso from Phoenix (AZ) to Isanti in Minnesota in SSB with only 8w.
He called CQ and came back first time on my QRZ. My report was 57.
Switching to the Isotron and Jim (KB0ZKX) could not even hear me, neither
could I hear him. He was running a multi element beam at 55 ft and 100w.
Yesterday evening it looked like we might have thunderstorm so I decided to
take the antenna down for the night. It was so simple and quick. Same this
morning to put it back up.
When I gain more experience with the antenna I'll leave an updated review on
eHam. I was skeptical but now I am a believer :)
73,
Yvon Dubois AE7YD