The TZ-RD-3W is a rotary dipole antenna designed to permit operation on the 12/17/30m WARC bands. As standard the antenna is designed for the 3 WARC bands, with an optional cap hat section to enable the antenna to operate on 40m instead of 30m. If you're a bit bored with the usual HF frequencies, why not experiment with the WARC bands and learn about the different propagation on these bands. You may want to start chasing DXCC on the WARC bands for a new challenge.
The TZ-RD-3W uses 4 coaxial traps which are not affected by rain since the traps are sealed. The TZ-RD-3W can be mounted 1 or 2 meters above (parallel to the boom – i.e offset 90 deg) above your existing tribander to permit coverage of the WARC bands or as a simple antenna for the new ham to HF operating. 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.
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. 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, crews, rivets, U bolts etc.
The Rippletech TZ-1840 balun is recommended for feeding the antenna with low loss across the bands.
The TZ-RD-3W rotary dipole features include:
| Operating bands | 12/17/30m (option of a 12/17/40m) |
| 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 | 9.66m |
| Turning radius | 4.83m |
| Weight | 7 kgs (approx 16 lb) (To be confirmed) |
The TZ-RD-3W is supplied with all stainless steel hardware except for the boom/pole mount U bolts (optionally S/S).
