How N0CPO Worked 100 Countries in 9 Months with a 20' HOA Flagpole Antenna
Customer Review: N0CPO
Jeff, N0CPO reports in on his first 9 months using his 20' Greyline Antenna, "100 DXCC countries!"
It’s the story every ham in a restricted community dreams of. It’s the proof that an HOA-friendly antenna isn’t a compromise—it’s a competitive advantage. This is the story of Dean, N0CPO, and how he put 100 countries in his log in just nine months, using our 20' HOA Flagpole Antenna and just 100 watts.
[Photo N0CPO] - 20' Greyline Flagpole Antenna
Jeff, N0CPO here.
I installed my 20' Greyline flagpole in November of '24 and,
after testing it out, I set an arbitrary goal of working
100 counties on 100 watts in the first year. I figured that
might be a high hurdle for a casual operator who only works
phone (no CW and no digital modes). My setup is the flagpole,
an LDG RT-100 tuner at the flagpole base, and a Yaesu FT-710.
My QTH is in Pennsylvania. I kept chipping away and chalking
up countries until I hit the magic 100- in less than 9 months.
I've worked all states except Hawaii, all Canadian provinces,
and 16 museum ships on MS Weekend. I struggle sometimes to
break through pileups of kilowatt stations, but I routinely
get very good signal reports, from Kobe to Oman. I'm sure having
fun and the XYL loves how the flagpole enhances the look of our
home. 73 & good DX, N0CPO
The Challenge: A Suburban QTH
Like many operators, Dean is located in a typical suburban lot in Pennsylvania. A 70-foot tower with a multi-band Yagi wasn’t just impractical; it was impossible. The goal was to find an antenna that was not only effective for DX but would also blend seamlessly into the neighborhood aesthetic without raising any red flags with the HOA. The key was to find a solution that offered true performance without the visual footprint.
The Solution: A 20' Greyline Flagpole Antenna
Dean chose the Greyline Performance 20' DX Flagpole Antenna. It’s a true, federally compliant flagpole that also happens to be a highly efficient, vertical dipole antenna. Installation was straightforward, requiring only a simple post hole for the ground sleeve. No complex radial field to bury, no guy wires to run, and no complaints from the neighbors.
His station is modest and effective:
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Transceiver: Yaesu FT-710
The Results: 100 Countries and Counting
The results speak for themselves. From his suburban QTH, Dean has confirmed contacts with 100 distinct DXCC entities. The secret? The low angle of radiation that is inherent to a properly designed vertical dipole. While horizontal antennas need significant height to achieve a low takeoff angle for DX, the Greyline flagpole delivers it naturally, right from ground level.
This low angle allows 100 watts to perform like much more, breaking through pileups and reaching distant stations that would be impossible for many other antenna types in the same situation. From Europe in the morning to deep Asia in the evening, the flagpole has consistently proven that if you can hear it, you can work it.
You Can Achieve This, Too
Dean’s story isn't an anomaly; it's an example of what is possible when smart design meets a passion for amateur radio. It’s a testament to the fact that you no longer have to choose between keeping the peace in your neighborhood and being competitive on the air.
If you’re ready to stop dreaming about DX and start working it from your own HOA-restricted QTH, this is your proof.
FUN FACT: *Did you know?
Jeff's 20' Flagpole radiates approximately 3.24 dBi of gain on 10M with meaningful gain numbers on the other bands too. I bet Jeff feels pretty loud at times on 17/15M. As the 10M band starts to taper off the peak, he's in good shape for years to come.
How do we know? We read the Book, by Bob Zavrel W7SX called "Antenna Physics." The ARRL has them in stock.
Are You Ready to experience the Greyline Performance difference for yourself?
Learn more about our HOA DX Flagpole Antenna here: [Check out our Antennas!]
Feeling Inspired? Share Your Station Story with us!
We love seeing how Greyline antennas are helping hams of all experience levels achieve their HF radio goals. If you have a Greyline success story (or a question), call us or drop a comment to Greyline and let's get the conversation going!
73,
The Greyline Performance Team
How to Order a Flagpole Antenna, a checklist:
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HOA Flagpole Antennas
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DX Vertical Antennas
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We enjoy talking radio!
Write in or call us to discuss any questions you have. It’s an honor to serve you in this manner. Thank you for the opportunity.
We hope you enjoyed this story and were entertained by it.
Maybe you remember a similar story in your youth. Ham Radio is fun again! Pass it on...
Our Mission:
At Greyline, it's our Mission to serve you by offering higher-quality products that truly enhance your Ham Radio experiences. Standing up to Hurricanes is just a bonus. Antennas that work Real DX and that the ladies can love too. Now that is smarter, stronger, and more elegant for you and your family's security. We are delighted to serve you.
Let's enjoy the adventure, together. Until next time...
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- 24' Flagpole Antenna: K7CWC Cliff in Washington (W7) is spotted around the World on his Greyline 24' DX Flagpole
- My XYL Love the Greyline Flagpole Antenna