Product Information

3kw 80-6 with a tuner.

 

About the Z6SBKW/G5RV:

  • In the mid-1980s, Brian Austin (ZS6BKW) ran computer analysis to develop an antenna system that would permit a low Standing Wave Ratio (SWR) for the maximum number of HF bands possible without an antenna tuner to interface with, and a 50-Ohm coaxial cable as the main feed line. He identified a range of lengths which, when combined with a matching ladder line length, would provide this characteristic.
  • According to an acknowledged expert in computer antenna design and modeling, L. B. Cebik: “Of all the G5RV antenna system cousins, the ZS6BKW antenna system has come closest to achieving the goal that is part of the G5RV mythology: a multi-band HF antenna consisting of a single wire and simple matching system to cover as many of the amateur HF bands as possible.”
  • Published on May 13, 2012 in Amateur Radio and Radio Antennas: "Are you a fan of the G5RV antenna?  Then you may be interested in the ZS6BKW antenna. The ZS6BKW antenna is an optimized variant of the venerable old G5RV. The G5RV antenna (c. 1946) was designed by Louis Varney (G5RV, SK). The ZS6BKW (early 1980's) was derived from the G5RV by Brian Austin (G0GSF, formerly ZS6BKW).  He developed computer programs that were used in conjunction with Smith charts to calculate the optimum dimensions for his variant of the antenna. Read G0GSF's own article about the antenna."

In summary, the ZS6BKW antenna is an optimized variant of the venerable old G5RV. Unlike the original G5RV, which  requires an antenna tuner on all bands, the ZS6BKW / G5RV is capable of operating on 10, 12, 17, 20 & 40m bands, generally without a tuner, and with SWR readings usually at 1.5:1 or less.  

Using a tuner, 6, 15, 30 & 80m bands are attained with much higher efficiency than the original G5RV.

Each Antenna is handmade to order with materials carefully tested & selected by Ni4L for quality & durability:

  • Poly-STEALTH 

    HIGH STRENGTH AERIAL WIRES

    Poly-STEALTH  High Strength Aerial Wires are manufactured with high strength, high conductivity Bare Copper-Clad Steel (BCCS) and insulated with a high quality UV Resistant Polyethylene to provide you with one of the strongest and longest lasting antenna wires on the market today.

     POLYS-13:

     The strongest wire of the group is ideal for the longest of wire runs with or without additional support.

    Advantages to Poly-STEALTH  High Strength Aerial Wires:

     Ideal balance of strength and flexibility

    Low-Gloss finish and small size makes wire disappear into the background

    Superior abrasion resistance for running through trees

    UV & Weather resistant for use on the seacoast or in other harsh environments subjected to acid rain, high wind, or high snow and ice loads.

     


  • FLEXI 420-OHM LADDER LINE #16 AWG: (40') 2 #16 AWG; 19/29 strands Cu-clad with black poly jacket. Nominal OD .065 x .930; Extra flexible & less likely to break in the wind. Nominal impedance 420(ohms); VP 91.7%. Good for -20oC to +60oC degrees;
  • Weather Resistant PVC: SO-239 connector terminating the ladder line connection. Crimped, soldered, covered in black adhesive lined heat shrink.
  • Ladder-Loc™ Center insulator: The Ladder-Loc ™ is a strain-relief and mounting support for 450-ohm ladder-line. It is UV-stabilized and has a proven field record of durability. Over 15,000 have been shipped to satisfied users;
  • SS hardware;
  • Two end insulators.   

Hanging the Z6SBKW/G5RV:

The  ZS6BKW/ G5RV is completely  assembled and ready to hang.

It requires about 92’ of space and should be hung around 40’ high or higher. Try and keep the ladder line off the ground if height is an issue.

It can be hung in a flat top or inverted V configuration.

Unlike Windom and OCF Dipoles, the ZS6BKW / G5RV is a very forgiving antenna when it comes to nearby towers, trees, fences and other structures.

Important Note:

As with all models of the G5RV antenna, the Optimized version also requires a minimum of 70 feet of 50-52 ohm coax to complete the matching network. Without this 70 foot of coax, the antenna will NOT function correctly.

 

All our Antennas are custom made to order.
And will usally ship in 7 to 10 business days .
Some times manufacturers and parts availability will cause some delays.
But NOTE: We Reserve the rigt to substitute wire between manufacturers run.

 

Current Stock:
Shipping Cost: $14.99 (Fixed Shipping Cost)
Weight: 6.00 LBS
Width: 12.00
Height: 12.00
Depth: 8.00
MPN: ZS6BKW - G5RV
SKU: ZS6BKW / G5RV

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