Questions before I buy.

drsatch

Currently I have a V2. I have been, let's say, less than "wow-ed" with performance on any band lower than 15M.

Seems to work fairly well above 15M. I've gone through all the "is it grounded well, where's it placed"

questions. I know it's grounded well because I can tune 40M without the UNUN. And it's mounted in the best

location I can. All that is fine and I'm happy with the choices I made as far as installation. It basically

comes down to "it's a 4ft antenna." I'm fairly sure it's the length that is the majority of the problem.

I've been toying with the idea of getting a V2L and giving that a shot since it's a couple ft longer. I have

some questions and some things I'm hoping can be cleared up.

1. Is the length differece of the V2L over the V2 going to make much of a difference?

2. I was under the impression that the V2L frequency range is the same as the V2. Since the website and

descriptions have been redone, it's a little confusing. I'm thinking I should be able to unscrew the V2 and

screw in the V2L. 80M-10M, 6M,2M,70cm...done. But now there's talk of HYBRID and CAUM. What? Does that mean VHF and UHF aren't covered without the base?

3. What's the difference between the V2L and the V1L besides the lenght of the whip? Will it perform better than the V2L? How long is the base vs the whip?

I'm sure I have more questions, but I suppose that will depend on the responses...which I thank you for in advance.

Carl

I never understood why you never been able to use the V2 correctly even a 4' long.

1. Is the length differece of the V2L over the V2 going to make much of a difference?
The V2L is probably a 1' + longer than the V2 but not more. If you had some difficulties with the V2 then I assume that you'll get the same difficulties with the V2L as they're about the same length.

2. I was under the impression that the V2L frequency range is the same as the V2. Since the website and descriptions have been redone, it's a little confusing. I'm thinking I should be able to unscrew the V2 and screw
in the V2L. 80M-10M, 6M,2M,70cm...done. But now there's talk of HYBRID
and CAUM. What? Does that mean VHF and UHF aren't covered without the
base?

The V2L covers the same frequencies as the V2. The base (HYBRID or CAUM) replace the old UNUN and they're designed to maximize HF frequencies. The bases have to be removed to use VHF/UHF.

3.
What's the difference between the V2L and the V1L besides the length of
the whip? Will it perform better than the V2L? How long is the base vs
the whip?
The UPPER part of the V1L and V2L are made of stainless steel. The silhouette of the UPPER parts are slimmer which offer less wind resistance and are stealthier. The antennas are also lighter because the LOWER parts are made of aluminum 7075 tubing and not fiberglass. So the antenna are bending less and are stronger. The LOWER sections of the V2L and V1L are respectively about 28" and 54" long while the UPPER parts are about 56" long.

Now if you want to get the maximum of your mobile installation I'll recommend you the following setup:

Combo: HYBRID / V1L

drsatch

"The V2L is probably a 1' + longer than the V2 but not more. If you had some difficulties with the V2 then I assume that you'll get the same difficulties with the V2L as they're about the same length."

Confused because the V2 was advertised as 4'2" long and the V2L is advertised as being 6'8" long. That's 2'6" longer. Also on the old forum, if I remember correctly, you replied to someone saying the V2L would be much better and would perform more closely to the V1 since it was longer. I kept all this in the back of my mind because I've been seriously thinking about trying to improve performance. The V1/L is out of the question. Too long for my use. I understand the compromise.

"The V2L covers the same frequencies as the V2. The base (HYBRID or CAUM) replace the old UNUN and they're designed to maximize HF frequencies. The bases have to be removed to use VHF/UHF."

So the V2L no longer comes with a UNUN? Will the one that came with the V2 work in it's place?

I'm thinking the V2L is a good compromise for daily use and allows me the ability to use the MIL when in remote locations. Thoughts?

Carl

Yes you're right: The V2L is about 2'6" longer and is in fact between the old V2 and the V1. The antenna location on your vehicle is also very important: the higher the better. The antenna radiation is the strongest at the bottom and the weakest at the top of the antenna.

The UNNU has been replaced by the HYBRID and the CAUM because it facilitate greatly mobile installation and performance. The previous UNUN will still work but not as good as the HYBRID. We've upgraded the system for a good reason.

The MIL added to the V2L will indeed increase your performance tremendously in remote location.

A lot of people are doing so but with the HYBRID. The HYBRID comes with a 30' wire antenna that can be used for NVIS or End-Fed on your vehicle while stationary for maximum performance. They simply swap the antenna between the V2L, MIL and the 30' wire.

drsatch

So it seems you don't think the V2L will be much improvement in performance over the V2 or am I misinterpreting?

Carl

Yes the V2L will indeed be an improvement BUT you'll have to revise your antenna installation and location. Make sure to have the best location on your vehicle.

drsatch

Thanks for all the insight. I've decided I'm going to pull the plug and give it a shot. I just sold my V2 + kit and once I scrape together the difference I'll be back. Until then, everyone pray for me...I'll be without an antenna. haha

drsatch

What exactly comes with the v2l for $135? It used to be $99 and came with a UNUN. Then at one point it came with the CAUM. Now it sounds like it comes with nothing. Just want to make sure so I know what to do.

Thanks again,Carl. Your support and patience is incredible...especially to someone who has had the hardest time.

Carl

Since the introduction of the V2L 9 months ago we had different "deals" and various combos. Now the V2L (and all our antennas) come alone but the customers build their own antenna systems. With the V2L two type of systems are possible with either the CAUM or the HYBRID. The CAUM is more oriented to be mobile. The HYBRID is "hybrid" = can be used everywhere. It even comes with a 30' (14 gauge) wire for an end-fed antenna setup.

My suggestion for your needs would be the Combo: V2L / HYBRID because you'll be able to use the End-Fed setup at home by simply removing the V2L and installing the 30' wire instead.

Carl

drsatch

One last question. You have any of the old style UNUN's laying around you want to get rid of? Price?

Thanks

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