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ZEROFIVE cOLOSSAL 10KW Antenna

Ranch55

Sr. Member
Jan 18, 2016
754
950
103
Fredericksburg, Texas
Just ordered one of the Colossal 10K 5/8ths wave ground plane antennas by ZEROFIVE antennas.
I can't get an Interceptor 10K, not available any time soon, if ever.
After much research, including on this forum, I decided this is the one I'm going to go with.
I have been using a Penetrator 500, original 1982 model, that I have been quite happy with.
But I am wanting an antenna more robust .......
 

Just ordered one of the Colossal 10K 5/8ths wave ground plane antennas by ZEROFIVE antennas.
I can't get an Interceptor 10K, not available any time soon, if ever.
After much research, including on this forum, I decided this is the one I'm going to go with.
I have been using a Penetrator 500, original 1982 model, that I have been quite happy with.
But I am wanting an antenna more robust .......
Good move.
The Penetrator is a great old 5/8 but with high power they tend to arc across the cracks which develop in the plastic insulator (between the radiator and the radials hub) and which fill in with water & minerals.
The overbuilt character of the Zero5 Colossus and Shockwave 5/8, along with the Mr.Coily .64 is simply stunning to behold in person, but since the Shockwave, I10k and Mr.Coily are all designed incorrectly for the lowest TOA & highest efficiency, I'd stick with the Zero5, unless you enjoy modding new antennas.
 
Last edited:
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Good move.
The Penetrator is a great old 5/8 but with high power they tend to arc across the cracks which develop in the insulator (between the radiator and the radials hub) and which fill in with water & minerals.
The overbuilt character of the Zero5 Colossus and Shockwave 5/8, along with the Mr.Coily .64 is simply stunning to behold in person, but since the Shockwave, I10k and Mr.Coily are all designed incorrectly for the lowest TOA & highest efficiency, I'd stick with the Zero5.

Yes sir on the arcing across the top insulator.
I am preparing to do an upgrade to the top insulator. I have some high grade PTFE (Teflon) ordered specifically for the rf and electrical insulating properties.
This Teflon is spec'ed for insulating 500V per mil of thickness.
Also weatherproof and a very, very long time UV resistant.
I believe that will improve the Penetrator 500 power handling considerably, along with a couple of other improvements.
 
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Key word is legally


Most will run minimum of 50 watts, and instead of communicating, they tend to see who can cover up or key down on each other.

WHY?? who the hell knows, little man syndrome I guess.
So instead of using higher gain antennas and lower wattage they tend to throw an ground plane in the air and then seek the biggest amplifier they can afford ( or sometimes not afford) so they can key on their neighbor across the street.

I never could figure out why a GP would need to handle 20kw of wattage.
Just get a four element yagi and use the gain from the antenna.
Less splatter on the band plus the added receive gain.
Stupidity amazes me on the Charlie brown band
 
One of the local op's purchased this antenna last fall , this winter in the NE was a little rough to say the least with the wind and snow . It made it through just fine he states the receive is awesome ( he had an Imax before ) . It's a sweet antenna but a little pricey for my pocket .JMO:eek:;)
 
I never could figure out why a GP would need to handle 20kw of wattage.
Just get a four element yagi and use the gain from the antenna.
Less splatter on the band plus the added receive gain.
Stupidity amazes me on the Charlie brown band
My post was completely tongue and cheek but I also agree with running that kind of watts into a GP as well. Anyway, I looked at that antenna and it sure looks like it would hold up to just about anything mother nature can dish out. The weak point would be what its mounted to.
 
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Yes built tough as nails, can withstand strong winds and ice.
If it is to be installed in a harsh environment it is the way to go for appliance operators who do not roll there own antennas
 
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If someone has the equipment to machine quality antenna parts it's cheaper to buy their antenna than a lathe....or you could throw together something out of pvc. It depends on a person's standards. If we were talking about dipoles I'd say roll your own.
 
I received the new ZEROFIVE Colossal 10K antenna yesterday.
This is one very fine constructed antenna. Heavy wall aluminum tubing construction on every piece.
No instructions for assembly come with it, but you don't need them if you are familiar with antennas anyway.
I started the assembly process today, taking my time, lubing and sealing all the joints.
If any tuning is necessary, it will be a very simple process by adjusting the heavy duty "tuning capacitor" at the bottom. (I talked to Tom to confirm this).
 
What did you lube the joints with?
I use Jet Lube on my antennas and connectors .......from DX Engineering ....

jtl-12555_m.jpg

"Quote .....
On bonded metal surfaces Jet-Lube SS-30 assures electrical and RF conductivity while preventing oxidation and corrosion. Surpassing the capabilities of other aluminum anti-oxidants, the wide temperature range of Jet-Lube SS-30 prevents long-term drying and caking, and allows easy disassembly and effortless cleaning of parts.
Jet-Lube SS-30 is also designed to work as a similar and dissimilar component between two metal surfaces to prevent seizing and galvanic action. The SS-30 compound formula improves conductivity and ground continuity--and will not melt in high temperatures.
Unquote"
 

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