The 2XA-3B-12L is a 12 element, 24 foot boom tribander (covering 20/10/15 meters) with a single feedpoint. This is possibly the most potent tribander ever offered at any boom length. Weighing only 70 pounds, it sports 3 elements on 20 meters, 4 elements on 15 meters and 5 elements on 10 meters (all full sized elements). Unlike other tribanders that have come before it, the 3B-12L provides stable gain across all bands with excellent front-to-rear (F/R) and front-to-back (F/B) ratios. Even the most advanced tribanders from other manufacterer’s have SWR issues on one band or another, high gain variances across the bands (especially on 10 meters where interaction is high) or sub-par F/R ratios (<20 dB). The 3B-12L easily qualifies as 3 true monobanders interlaced on to one boom, because it meets the monobander performance guidelines outlined in Chapter 11 of the ARRL Antenna Book. No other manufacturer can claim that – not even the motor driven adjustable yagis that use fixed element spacing (they have lower gain on the lower bands covered and poor F/R on the higher bands).
This new found level of performance is made possible through our software driven, modern approach on multi-band yagi optimization. The entire array is optimized simultaneously – that is – all three bands are altered simultaneously and evaluated for the best overall performance. This innovative approach creates a synergy between all the elements, even if an element is “active” on a given band or not. This unique 2X Arrays approach guarantees the highest level of performance possible from a given boomlength.
The 2XA-3B-12L is the ultimate building block for small and medium sized towers (up to ~100 feet tall). By itself, the 2XA-3B-12L provides a high level of performance, but where higher gain and better arrival angle coverage is desired, the 3B12L stacks very well. A stacking distance of 25 feet can be used between antennas to create higher gain across all three bands, while still maintaining excellent F/R. Contesters, DX’ers or any station seeking a high level of performance from a single tower can look no further. Stacking the 2XA-3B-12L on a tower as opposed to interlacing many monobanders is a better approach to high performance on a single tower because it avoids the complexity of interaction between active and non-active monobanders, simplifies feedline issues and is more cost effective.
The 2XA-3B-12L does not use any matching networks (beta, gamma, etc.) – it is a direct 50 Ohm feed that uses a custom designed 1:1 balun (included) that ensures the carefully designed radiation pattern is maintained in all environments. The 3B-12L uses 12 full sized elements without any trap circuits, further avoiding any unnecessary losses. No cutting or measuring is required. The element to boom plates come pre-mounted to the boom from the factory, which provides precise alignment and spacing between elements and saves on product assembly time. The elements are insulated from the boom using heavy duty nylon clamps. Stainless steel hardware is used throughout, except on the boom to mast plate, where unique flat-banded u-bolts made of high strength steel that have been galvanized and epoxy coated are used. A Phillystran® Kevlar boom truss system is provided to further increase ice and wind load handling.
This antenna is FedEX shippable – no freight shipping required.
Price: $1,949.99 USD