Case Study: Aerospace Engineer Validates Greyline Antenna Quality

Validation by an Industry Peer: Retired Aerospace Antenna Executive Chooses and Tests the Greyline 20' DX Flagpole

"I ran a defense antenna company for seven years, and I am very impressed with the look, quality, machining, and part fit! This is a professional-grade product."

– Robert in Colorado (Retired Defense Antenna Company Executive

Challenge: Robert in Colorado, a highly experienced amateur radio operator, required an antenna solution for his deed-restricted community (HOA) that delivered uncompromising high-performance $\text{DX}$ capabilities. As a former defense antenna company executive, his criteria for quality, machining precision, and electrical performance were exceptionally high. The system needed to achieve professional $\text{DX}$ results without the operational footprint of radials or the aesthetic compromise of traditional towers.

"The antenna went together as advertised. The fit and finish are excellent, and I am very happy with the result."

Solution: Robert selected the Greyline 20' DX Flagpole Vertical Dipole Array ($\text{VDA}$). The choice was based on the $\text{VDA}$’s reputation for radial-free operation and its elegant, federally compliant flagpole design. The system was specifically chosen to integrate seamlessly into his environment while still supporting mission-critical operations across $160\text{-}6\text{M}$ bands.

"How about a flagpole that functioned as a multi-band, highly efficient, dipole antenna? After a little more research, I came across an outfit called Greyline Performance..."

Results: The Greyline system immediately met Robert’s stringent technical expectations. Using the $\text{VDA}$, he has successfully achieved $\text{DX}$ contacts with stations across the globe, including Hawaii, Lima Peru, and Europe using FT8 mode. Robert’s assessment confirms the antenna’s engineering quality: 

"It is a professional-grade product, and I recommend it to others." 

The antenna not only satisfied the aesthetic requirements but outperformed previous systems in achieving reliable, low-angle $\text{DX}$—a crucial metric for professional communications.

"...did some testing from the garage, copying beacons from Madiera, California, and Caracas on 20 meters despite marginal solar flux conditions..."

Independent Authentication: Letter to the Amateur Radio Club ($\text{ARC}$)

Robert provided a detailed report of his installation and performance to his local Amateur Radio Club. This unsolicited letter serves as authentic, third-party validation of the antenna's robust build quality and superior on-air results. 

View the Antenna Chosen by Defense Experts: 
20' DX Flagpole Antenna & 24' DX Flagpole Antenna

 

Getting on the Air
Rob Freedman WC0R
10 August 2020

As a frequent participant in the LARC Hamlet Net each Tuesday evening I have learned that many participants are anxious to get on the air and upgrade their privileges to enjoy HF voice QSOs. I also have learned that many of us live in covenant-restricted homeowners associations that almost always restrict antennas to TV or satellite dishes.

I have personally been at the intersection of both of these and thought I would share my journey through these issues. The key takeaway is neither is as difficult as it first may appear.

Despite my Amateur Extra license, I consider myself a newbie. I passed the test in 2009 but really had little current experience. I had an ICOM 7000 in my 4Runner and mostly QSO’d with amateur radio work colleagues on VHF FM (not about work, of course). The 7000 is capable of UHF/VHF, and HF voice and digital modes but I had no satisfactory HF mobile antenna to effectively QSO on HF—and talk about distracted driving!

When I retired in January of this year, as many of you, I was anxious to get back on the air. I had plenty of time to do some research. ARRL publications such as “ARRL’s Wire Antenna Classics” (now with volume 2), and Radio Society of Great Britain’s “Stealth Antennas” provide a rich list of home-brew low-profile antennas. Although some of these boasted superb performances, many had limitations or were hardly systems that would go unnoticed by HOA neighbors.

Some HOAs do not enforce covenants and restrictions very aggressively or at all. However, I would not count on this as a strategy, especially if you do not want to be the new cause of friction in your neighborhood. Moreover, there are family members who might have something to say about stringing wires, baluns, and feedlines all over the back yard.

The solution that would seem to work best for our neighborhood and our family would be something that did not look like an antenna because it wore a disguise. How about a flagpole that functioned as a multi-band, highly efficient, dipole antenna? After a little more research, I came across an outfit called Greyline Performance (https://greylineperformance.com). They have designed complete antenna systems either in a strictly vertical format or with all the trappings of a flagpole.

You can get these kits (some assembly required!) from 12 feet to 28 feet, either with flag kits or just as a plain vertical. It is an off-center-fed dipole which means no radials are required for optimum performance. Visit their website for RF plots and user testimonials as proof.

We chose a 20’ flagpole antenna, submitted photos to the HOA for approval regarding the design and location on our property, and got approval soon after.

Greyline recommends a solid foundation of concrete 18” in diameter and 36” deep. In the center is a PVC pipe that goes to the bottom of the hole to support the flagpole and insulate it from the ground.

The directions are clear and no special tools are required.

The antenna is now installed and tested and Old Glory waves—if there’s a breeze. My remaining task is to run RG-213 (low loss coax) between the antenna and the shack. I did jury rig a spare cable and did some testing from the garage, copying beacons from Madiera, California, and Caracas on 20 meters despite marginal solar flux conditions (an article for a different day).

The antenna went together as advertised. The fit and finish are excellent, and I am very happy with the result.

Beyond the technical specs, the antenna is fully $\text{HOA}$-compliant and $\text{XYL}$-approved, allowing Robert and other agency ops to monitor HF radio operations without neighborhood friction. 

"The no-radial $\text{OCF}$ dipole design seemed to be a perfect match for what I needed... and $\text{XYL}$ was anxious to display a flag..."

 

The no-radial OCF dipole design seemed to be a perfect match for what I needed to get back on the air, and XYL was anxious to display a flag as her folks had done during her childhood.