The TZ-RD-3Wx is a rotary dipole antenna designed to permit operation on the 12 and 17m WARC bands and the 40m band. The antenna is a modified TZ-RD-3W rotary dipole with extended tips to enable the antenna to resonate on 40m rather than 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. If installed above your traditional tri-bander on a typical Aussie built Nally tower the antenna will provide excellent DX performance, including 40m. You will be astonished at what DX can be worked on 40m with a rotary dipole mounted at 15m or greater.
The TZ-RD-3Wx uses 4 coaxial traps which are not affected by rain since the traps are sealed. The TZ-RD-3Wx 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 to reduce element sag, although due to the extended element for 40m, some sag is present. 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-3Wx rotary dipole features include:
| Operating bands | 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 | approx 11.5m (To be confirmed) |
| Turning radius | approx 5.75m (To be confirmed) |
| Weight | 7.5 KGs (To be confirmed) |
The TZ-RD-3Wx is supplied with all stainless steel hardware except for the boom/pole mount U bolts (optionally S/S).
