TZ-RD-3
10/15/20m Rotary Dipole
The TZ-RD-3 is a rotary dipole antenna designed to permit operation on the 10/15/20m amateur bands. As standard the antenna is designed for the 3 main HF DX bands. If you're new to the HF bands and want to try a bit of DX why not experiment with this antenna first. The big saving in time, effort and money to put up a full size HF antenna may be justified by getting onto the HF bands a lot faster.This antenna is ideal for the amateur without much room, or dollars, or who has an XYL not keen on a big antenna and tower in the back yard. The antenna is easily accommodated by typical "scaffolding tube" aluminium or water pipe (galvanised steel tubing). If a small concentric mast is constructed and attached to the house or dwelling a simple "pipe" mast can have your TZ-RD-3 up and in the clear for under a few hundred dollars. These types of masts can usually be extended to 10 or 12m if only a small antenna is mounted at the top, giving very good DX performance. This can be a huge saving on a tower worth upwards of $5000.00, rotator, permits, town planning, etc. You'll be surprised at how well such a simple antenna can work, if mounted in the clear at height.
The TZ-RD-3 uses 4 coaxial traps which are not affected by rain since the traps are sealed. The TZ-RD-3 should be mounted at least 8m above the ground. Most regulations in Australia permit a mast to be erected 3m above the tallest point of the building (primarily intended for TV antennas) but this ruling can effectively be used to get your ham antenna up at least 8m.
The TZ-RD-3 is also a fantastic antenna for portable operation. A simple aluminium mast with 3m long sleeving sections can easily be erected with some small tent pegs, half size star pickets and nylon rope guys. This will get you quickly onto the bands with a good signal. Great for a mini dxpedition to an IOTA island.
Stainless steel fasteners are used throughout as well as aluminium rivets for reduced corrosion. Three (3) stainless steel hose clamps are used to permit adjustment of the antenna on each band. Acetal plastic insulating sections are used for mechanical strength and stiffness so that the antenna is subject to minimal sag. The centre sections of the antenna are 32mm O.D, tapering down to 12mm O.D. at the tips. Assembly is simple and straightforward, and if by chance something does go wrong most parts can be obtained from your local hardware store, e.g. nuts, screws, rivets, U bolts etc.
The Rippletech TZ-1840 balun is recommended for feeding the antenna with low loss across the bands.
The TZ-RD-3 rotary dipole features include:
Operating bands 10/15/20m Max Operating power 1 kW PEP, 250W CW continuous Typical impedance 40 ohm - 75 ohm (depending on installation height) Gain -1.0 to 0 dBd Effective Gain 6 dBi Typical (when mounted at 1 wavelength height) VSWR 1.5:1 (typical) Total length (approx 7.5m) Turning radius 3.75m Weight 6 kgs (approx 16 lb) (To be confirmed)
Main Index Products Index Price List Ordering InfoThe TZ-RD-3 is supplied with all stainless steel hardware except for the boom/pole mount U bolts (optionally S/S).
