Super Antenna MP1DXG HF Portable Antenna with Ground Mount: In-Depth Review
The Super Antenna MP1DXG HF Portable Antenna with Ground Mount is a versatile, high-performance antenna designed for amateur radio operators who demand a reliable, compact, and portable solution for HF communication in the field. Whether you're a seasoned ham looking for an antenna for mobile operations, or a prepper building a "Go Bag" for emergency communication, the MP1DXG offers impressive performance in a lightweight, easy-to-deploy package.
In this comprehensive review, we'll dive deep into the design, features, performance, ease of use, and pros and cons of the Super Antenna MP1DXG, offering a well-rounded perspective to help you decide if this is the right antenna for your needs.
Overview
The Super Antenna MP1DXG is a multi-band, vertical HF antenna designed for portable use. It can operate on a wide range of frequencies, covering 80 meters to 6 meters (3.5 MHz to 54 MHz), making it suitable for HF communication in diverse conditions. It’s particularly popular with amateur radio enthusiasts involved in portable or emergency setups, such as field day events, summits on the air (SOTA), or in “go bag” kits for emergency preparedness.
The "G" in the model number indicates the inclusion of the ground mount system, which is essential for providing a stable base for the antenna and improving its performance.
Key Features and Specifications
Frequency Range: Covers 3.5 MHz to 54 MHz (80m to 6m bands).
Antenna Type: Vertical, multi-band, screw-together design.
Power Handling: Handles up to 100 watts of power on SSB (Single Sideband) and CW (Continuous Wave).
Ground Mount Included: Comes with a heavy-duty ground mount system for secure deployment in the field.
Portable: Lightweight and compact, designed for easy setup and transport.
Construction: Made from high-quality materials for durability in various weather conditions.
Compact: The antenna can be broken down into a series of small, easy-to-carry components, making it ideal for "go bag" setups or field operations.
Height: When fully extended, the antenna stands approximately 10 feet tall (3 meters), though it can be shortened for use in tighter spaces or to optimize performance on specific bands.
Design and Build Quality
1. Construction Materials
The Super Antenna MP1DXG is built with durability in mind, which is crucial for portable use. It features:
Aluminum Elements: The vertical radiator and telescopic elements are made from aluminum, which provides a good balance between strength and weight. Aluminum also offers resistance to corrosion, ensuring that the antenna will perform reliably over time in varying environmental conditions.
Stainless Steel Components: Stainless steel is used for the ground mount and other critical parts, which helps to prevent rusting, especially in outdoor or humid conditions.
Weatherproof Coatings: The antenna is designed to withstand the rigors of outdoor use, with weather-resistant coatings to protect the elements and ensure longevity, even when exposed to rain, sun, or saltwater (ideal for coastal deployments).
2. Portability and Setup
The MP1DXG is designed with portability in mind, and it is truly lightweight for its class. The antenna is collapsible, with components that screw together or fold down into a compact carrying case, which makes it very easy to store and transport. Assembling and deploying the antenna in the field is straightforward, and even an operator with limited setup experience can have it up and running in under 10 minutes.
Its compact nature, even when fully assembled, makes it a top choice for portable operators who want a reliable and high-performance antenna without the bulk of traditional, larger antennas.
Ground Mount System
The MP1DXG is specifically designed for deployment with the Super Antenna Ground Mount, which is included in the package. The mount is crucial for stability and improving the antenna's overall performance. It provides a sturdy base and is easily attached to the antenna.
The ground mount works by using a counterpoise system, which is essential for vertical antennas to perform effectively. This system consists of radials (wire elements) that provide a low-resistance path to ground, which enhances the antenna's efficiency, especially on lower-frequency bands. In terms of design, the ground mount is:
Heavy Duty: Designed to hold the antenna securely even in windy conditions.
Simple to Set Up: The mount can be deployed quickly, either by staking it into the ground or attaching it to an elevated platform like a vehicle or tripod.
Portable: While solid, the ground mount can be disassembled into smaller parts for easy transport.
Performance
The Super Antenna MP1DXG excels in performance, especially considering its compact size. Here’s a breakdown of its performance characteristics:
1. Multi-Band Operation
One of the standout features of the MP1DXG is its wide frequency coverage. With the ability to operate on 80 meters through 6 meters, the antenna provides excellent versatility for different modes of communication.
80 meters: On this lower band, the antenna offers solid performance for long-range communications, especially during nighttime hours when ionospheric conditions are favorable.
40 meters: A popular band for both DX (long-distance) and local communication, the MP1DXG performs very well here, providing strong signals with low noise.
20 meters: Known for being a popular HF band for worldwide communication, the MP1DXG delivers solid results with both local and DX stations.
10 meters: Even on the upper HF bands, the antenna remains highly efficient and capable of handling both voice and digital modes.
The antenna is well-suited for operation with 100 watts of power (typical for many mobile and portable stations), and it performs particularly well in lower bands where full-sized antennas are impractical.
2. Tuning and SWR Performance
The MP1DXG antenna is easily tunable, which is critical when operating on multiple bands. The antenna system uses a manual tuning mechanism to adjust for optimal resonance on each frequency, which is a common feature in portable vertical antennas.
Low SWR: When properly tuned, the MP1DXG provides low Standing Wave Ratio (SWR) across the bands, ensuring efficient power transfer from the transmitter to the antenna and minimizing power loss.
Tuning Range: The antenna can be manually adjusted to tune the different bands with minimal effort, using the provided adjustment tool to fine-tune the length of the antenna elements or the counterpoise system for specific frequencies.
Usability and Ease of Use
1. Deployment
Setting up the MP1DXG is a straightforward process, thanks to its modular design. The antenna consists of several segments that easily screw or clip together. Once assembled, you can attach the antenna to the ground mount and begin tuning the antenna for the desired frequency.
2. Maintenance
Due to its high-quality materials and weather-resistant coatings, the antenna requires minimal maintenance. Occasional cleaning to remove dirt, salt, or debris is all that's needed to keep it in top working condition.
3. Adjustments
While the manual tuning system is intuitive, some users may prefer more automated tuning systems for greater convenience. However, in most situations, the manual tuning will be adequate, and it offers more flexibility than some auto-tune antennas.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Wide Band Coverage: Excellent coverage from 80 meters through 6 meters, making it versatile for many types of communication.
Portable and Compact: Lightweight, easy to transport, and quick to set up, making it perfect for portable operations or emergency preparedness kits.
Solid Build Quality: Constructed from durable materials that can withstand the rigors of outdoor use, including corrosion-resistant coatings and sturdy components.
Ground Mount: The included ground mount significantly improves performance and ease of setup.
Performance on Lower Bands: Impressive results on 80m and 40m, where portable antennas often struggle.
Cons:
Manual Tuning: While not a major issue, some operators might prefer an automatic antenna tuner for ease of use, especially during rapid deployment or for those who frequently change frequencies.
Power Handling: The antenna is designed to handle up to 100 watts, which may not be sufficient for operators using higher-power rigs.
Size: While portable, it may still be a bit bulky for some operators compared to tiny “whip” style antennas.
Conclusion
The Super Antenna MP1DXG HF Portable Antenna with Ground Mount is a solid choice for amateur radio operators looking for a reliable, portable antenna that delivers strong performance across a wide range of HF bands. Its ease of use, durable construction, and broad frequency coverage make it ideal for portable operations, emergency communication setups, or for inclusion in a "go bag" for disaster preparedness.
With its simple setup, excellent tuning range, and high-quality build, the MP1DXG is a top contender for anyone in need of a versatile HF antenna for on-the-go communication. While it may not be the highest-power option available, it delivers a remarkable balance of portability, performance, and value, making it a great tool for many amateur radio operators.