The Band Hopper II, two-band portable dipole antenna system
At a glance:
Bands 20 m, 40 m
Power rating 125 Watts
Balun included Yes
ATU needed? No. Connects direct to your radio
SSB, CW, data? Yes. Fine for all modes
How long is this antenna? About 28 metres end to end (20-40 version).
Mast A lightweight telescopic pole (6 - 8 metres pole length recommended for Band Hopper II)
***IMPORTANT NOTE: if you are using a Band Hopper with our 10m Compact Travel Mast, attach the antenna with a cable tie to the top of section 11 (counted from the bottom). This is about 6 metres (20ft) up and is the perfect height for the antenna centre. Any higher and the antenna may not work properly and your Compact Travel Mast could be damaged.***
What do you get?
Band Hoppers are a complete system including:
- A resonant multi-band dipole antenna with Perspex link hardware
- A 10m feeder - high quality RG174 terminated in a BNC plug
- High performance balun
- A guying system for a lightweight telescopic pole (6 - 8 metres length recommended)
- Three Wire Winders to ensure tangle-free operating
- Three lightweight aluminium alloy pegs
- A nylon carry bag with peg pocket
Band Hoppers work out of the packet - no messing, just fun!
Instructions are available HERE!
How to erect your BandHopper - video
Not sure which Band Hopper to choose? Click here for some ideas.
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Also available from our international agent(s):
The secret of most successful HF portable operators is not hard to find: it's an efficient antenna! No wonder that the linked dipole is the most popular portable HF antenna type used in Europe. The Band Hopper II is designed for the lightweight portable specialist. Not sure what a linked dipole is? Click here.
The Band Hopper II covers two HF bands with a high efficiency full-size halfwave dipole on each band. It's not a compromise loaded antenna. It's also designed to allow you to get the feedpoint high - that's important for good performance. Band selection is by easy-to-use jumpers; quick to change.
We include a high performance balun to reduce unwanted feeder coupling - reduces potential interference problems.
Using the Band Hopper II could not be easier. The custom designed centrepiece fits on an tapered pole (such as our famous SOTA pole). It slides down to the optimum height (usually the junction between the top and second sections of the mast).If you don't have a tapering mast dont worry, the centrepiece has slots for cable ties too so you can attach it to most anything. Don't like masts? The centrepiece has an attachment point for a throwing line to use in the forest.
Unrolling the dipole elements is a breeze using the Wirewinders supplied. When you unroll the elements you will notice that the Wirewinders are attached to 4m (13ft) nylon braided extension cords. This not only means that you cannot lose them but also that in rocky areas you can guy your pole by putting the Wirewinder in a crack in the rocks or just by putting it under a rock. The Wirewinders also make great snow anchors too so guying your pole in the snow has never been easier! We also provide pegging loops for use with our high quality pegs (included).
The feeder is a 10m length of RG174 preterminated in a BNC plug. This is wound on a third Wirewinder. Also on the third Winder is a 10m back guy for your mast. No need for any additional guys and the two dipole elements plus the back guy are all you need for a stable and robust system. The back guy is attached to the Wirewinder to give you the flexible guying options above. Just a mast or use a tree and you're good to go!
This antenna is super light too! The whole package consisting of the antenna, the Wirewinders and the back guy weighs in at less than 450g (20m/40m version); that's under a pound!
No need to adjust the Band Hopper II, it is supplied pre-tuned. We do the tricky stuff leaving you to have the fun. This is a fully assembled product that works out of the packet
The Band Hopper II is a truly amazing package for a bargain price.
Each Band Hopper II includes an antenna bag and three pegs making it a complete system.
Videos Hide Videos Show Videos
64 Reviews Hide Reviews Show Reviews
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Excellent Product !
Anyone thinking of buying a Band Hopper? you should... Used mine for the first time at the weekend, simple to setup... Resonant Antenna simply the best. I purchased a 20m - 40m made my first HF contact using my FT-817 5w, was in Chelmsford Essex... first qso with someone in Chester/Liverpool. I worked 40m on the day, really performed well. Look forward to my next qrp trip. Will be buying more...
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Simplicity at it's best
Used my BH2 for the 1st time today up on SOTA Summit SB-008 in pretty windy conditions. I managed to put up the antenna in less than 8 minutes by myself despite the pretty for mentioned strong winds. It worked a treat both on 20 & 40 Metres with the SWR completely flat across the whole of both bands. Contacts were made all over the UK on 40M and all over Europe on 20 metres despite running 5 watts from my little FT-817 The included winders make it so easy to unwind and wind up again so everything is easily deployed for the next SOTA Summit. WELL DONE SOTABEAMS Keith M1VHT
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very well done
it´s a well done dipol antenna. easy to transport, easy to built on the mast.
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Brilliant service
Top class service, my order arrived three working days after ordering Packaging absolutely sound. The Antenna works very well although at the time of testing the bands were a liitle flat. I will be dealing with Sota Beams again for other items.
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Good RX and TX across the resonant bands
Good RX and TX across the resonant bands. Easy to set up. Light and very compact. Great product for portable use.
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Light and easy to use.
Good antenna for portable use, easy to setup and take down. Perfect SWR. Hope to use it for long time. 73, Magnus/SA2BRJ
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Excellent performer
I have already submitted a review for this antenna, but since then, I have used it a lot more on SOTA activations. I have found it to be a great antenna and have even been working DX with just 5 watts, into Europe & the USA. Very happy with the BandHopper. Best 73, Paul, VK5PAS.
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great for portable
This is a simple but excellent antenna . The swr was excellent on both bands - this can be used without an atu. It was a doddle to get the aerial on a 7m pole up single handed. I'm really pleased with this.
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Performed well
I have just started to activate SOTA summits here in South Australia. Last weekend I activated Mount Gawler here in the Mt Lofty Ranges, and I initially used a vertical. I then set up the Bandhopper for the very first time (only bought it a few weeks ago), and my signals improved. It was very easy to set up and easy to take down, and lightweight to carry. The instructions on the web are great as is the helpful video. Great little antenna. 73, Paul, VK5PAS. Mount Barker, SOUTH AUSTRALIA.
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CQportable likes this antenna
Used the Bandspringer 11 20/40M linked dipole for CASHOTA activation Brough Castle 03/02/13 on 40M SSB and found to be very easy to deploy, well constructed and has made the conversion to HF /P very easy indeed. 58/59 reports from all UK contacts.
