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More Records + More Wins = More Fun for You
	Force 12 gives back to Amateur Radio

Force 12 gives back to amateur radio by developing new technologies, designs and products to meet your needs and your dreams. The photos are from Team Vertical’s DXpedition to Jamaica in November, 2002. As you can see, the trips are not always without difficulty. Ask us for a presentation for your club or convention!
The Jamaica location is a testing and proving ground for many new products. It is literally a huge laboratory where we bring antennas and use them real time, comparing to other designs. We then put them on the air in the 48 hour CQWW Worldwide DX competition. The Team has set world records from here and we know what is excellent and what is not. Nothing but the best will do! This particular trip completed the Team’s quest for all six world records in QRP. Team Vertical now holds all the single band world records on 160-80-40-20-15-10 meters with 5 watts (QRP). This achievement is the first of its kind ever accomplished. Amateur radio has been rewarded with these new designs through the efforts of Team Vertical and Force 12: The series of vertical dipoles from the ZR to the V-3 to the Sigma, including the Sigma-5, Sigma-GT5, Sigma-40XK, all single band Sigmas, the Ruby-270 and First Responder The SVDA DXpedition antennas The new Sigma horizontal antennas like the Sigma-280S, Sigma-280Magnum and the Sigma-280 Ultra The 160 VX 160 meter vertical New 80 and 160 meter verticals Quick deploy designs Lightweight packaging for easy transport and assembly Radio is to be enjoyed, but without a good antenna, so much is missed. With the proven Force 12 antennas, you will make contacts with amateurs whose signal you could not hear before. So, get off the couch, put up a Force 12 antenna and turn on your rig! The flagpole antenna on the right was developed because we listened to you about the need for restricted locations. The FPA-1 ships in a 4’ box and is not permanently mounted in the ground. It has a sleeve so that it can be removed, making it likely to meet a wide variety of restrictions and putting you on the air! Using radials on the ground to continue the low profile and using the rig's tuner to match it, the flag pole antenna provides good performance on 20-10 meters. It is also surprising on 30 and even 40 meters, making a fine low profile solution for many locations. This is one reason Force 12 remains the leader in amateur antennas. We remain innovative and not a copy-company! When you buy from Force 12, Inc., you make an investment not only in your fine antenna, but also in the future of amateur radio through the continuing developments by our company. Both you and amateur radio benefit. One of the fundamental building blocks of Force 12, Inc. is that we do not favor one design or technique over another. Instead, we test everything available to discover the best for our various product lines. Sometimes, nothing that is "out there" is acceptable. This is why Force 12 has developed and invented new designs and physical techniques, such as: -> Overlay designs for multiple monoband Yagis   -> Forward stagger for monoband and multi-band Yagis -> 50 ohm direct feed, wide-band Yagis   -> Using your tuner for additional band coverage -> XR "closed-sleeve" feed system   -> 3 band open sleeve feed system -> Sigma vertical dipoles (single and multi-band)   -> ZR vertical dipoles (single and multi-band) -> SVDA arrays   -> Sigma horizontal elements and Yagis -> Riveted construction, "If its riveted, it’s a Force 12"   -> Efficient short dipoles and Yagis -> Drop-in, tilt cradle mount   -> EasyOnTM mount -> Pre-drilled element sections   -> Pre-positioned element brackets -> "Plug and Play" designs & 4’ packaging   -> Bundled elements           Many of the decisions made during the Force 12 design process are not obvious when you look at our antennas.

Unfortunately, there are companies who try to profit from the efforts of others. This is why those that copy Force 12 antennas miss important items. The result from copying someone else's designs has two major problems for potential customers: the copied products come up short and you, the customer, lose the benefits of Force 12 expertise. Since these copiers do not know the foundation behind the designs, they cannot provide technical service. These copy companies have not put in the time and effort to "figure it out"; instead, they take the short cut to make a buck – at your expense.

There are many Force 12 design criterion involved: including efficiency, ease of assembly, installation and cost. Sometimes a product requires the factory to go through additional steps; we do it so you will be more than pleased with the antenna. One of these long-term developments is the Sigma-5.

The Sigma-5 was introduced in mid-2001 as a result of customer input. It is the ultimate solution for a small, easy to set-up and use antenna for all five bands: 20, 17, 15, 12 & 10 meters. This is a true "plug and play" antenna: Force 12 goes the extra mile and fully assembles and tests every one before shipment. The Sigma-5 and the new Sigma-GT5 are examples of Force 12 leadership. The Sigma design has been expanded to include efficient vertical dipole antennas for 80, 40, 30, 20, 17, 15, 12, 10 and 6 meters, plus the manually-switched Sigma-40XK for 40-10 meters. This is the same antenna used by Team Vertical on 40 and 20 to set world records. Commercial antennas previously using our ZR design have been converted to the superior Sigma. No other antenna company puts forth the effort to ensure product performance and reliability like Force 12, Inc. These record scores also show the antenna is the key to performance and our enjoyment of amateur radio.

Force 12 continues to be the leader: 2003 marks our 13^th year of bringing you the most efficient, highest performing antennas. If you would like to experience the true enjoyment of radio, step up to Force 12. You have an exciting, positive experience awaiting you.

We put fun! back in ham radio. Every week we receive calls and e-mails sharing with us how customers appreciate Force 12 antennas such as: "Just put up my C-3SS. What a great performer and I am only running barefoot! Congratulations on a fine product!" and "The Ruby-270 is incredible!"

Alan, K6IPM named his C-3SS "Buster" because of how easily he gets through big pile-ups. In one year (April 2002-2003), Alan worked 268 countries and has 240 confirmed. The physically small C-3SS antenna is big on performance.

Force 12 defines performance.

As world class operator and member of the CQ Contesting Hall of Fame, John Crovelli, W2GD, says:

"Putting up a Force 12 is like turning on an amplifier."

Gain is always a major topic of conversation and a major comparison figure between antennas. Only Force 12 has provided accurate figures since day #1. Comparing with other companies without true figures is impossible. Without true gain figures, how can you trust them on anything? Please refer to the separate section on Antenna Specifications for details.

Can there be such a big difference between Force 12 antennas and others? Of course! – John’s comment above is based on long term observations. If we have lossy components (i.e. traps), we would lose energy that cannot be recovered. This is true for both transmit AND receive, which is why it is common to have Force 12 customers tell us they work stations others cannot hear. This is most evident in marginal conditions when the "real gain" difference is easy to see.

Force 12 brought you out

of the

dark ages of traps.

The trapped antenna did open up 20-15-10 meters for many of us in amateur radio. I remember being impressed at how well my first (and only) trapped tribander worked compared to my wire windom. One popular trapped tribander has been carefully marketed avoiding the word, "trap" and instead describing the design as being "linear loaded." Traps deserve a place in history. You deserve a higher performing antenna that opens up radio. Replacing any trapped antenna with our smallest multi-monobander (i.e. C-3S, C-3SS) will open up a new horizon in radio. You will be able to turn off your amplifier and work stations you could not hear with the trapped antenna.

Force 12, Inc. continues to develop additional products according to your desires. All of our products are a result of speaking with customers. Consider these major items:

- There is no other antenna company that has a President (N6BT) who talks with many customers each day, writes articles and books, presents forums at conventions and travels to speak at club meetings - taking questions from everyone. Force 12 is the company who listens to you and gives accurate information.

- Force 12 is the only company with a President who is an active operator from his home QTH, who operates contests domestically and abroad setting many records (including world records), who continually tests existing and new designs and goes on DXpeditions.

- Force 12 is the only company with a President who installs antennas for other hams so he can gain continuing first-hand experience.

- Force 12 enlists the assistance of W6XR/2 in New York, who has an active DX and contest station, who not only tests antennas on the air, but also in very difficult winter weather conditions.

- Force 12 is the first antenna company with an Internet reflector, an open forum for Force 12 customers and others to compare notes, ask questions and from which new products and enhancements have been developed.

It is important to note that a company can only have such a high profile and an open door if its specifications are honest, the products do what we claim and the company is fair in its operation. Force 12 has had such a record from day #1. There is no other antenna company like Force 12, Inc.

Some product highlights

Sigma-280
The Sigma design was known by us to be superior in verticals. It was taken a step farther (at the insistence of Bill, WA5VGI) and designed into horizontal antennas. The first band to receive attention is 80/75. Comparing to our own linear loaded products and other coil-loaded offerings, the new Sigma 80/75 designs are unmatched. The new products are 2 element Yagis: Sigma-280S, Sigma-280 Magnum, and the absolutely amazing Sigma-280 Ultra. The 2 element Ultra outperforms every 80/75 Yagi except for the Ultra 3 element! The Sigma 280 Ultra and Magnum 340N (3el 40) to the right are at W0YG on a US Tower 589HDMDPL.
	W7CB's Sigma 280S is on the left and the Sigma-280 Magnum at WA5VGI is to the right.

LPDA
These were developed for commercial customers, but have application for amateurs needing expanded coverage for activities such as M.A.R.S. operations outside amateur bands. The log periodic dipole array ("LPDA") has a basic design principle to provide an antenna with a VSWR that does not exceed a certain value across a wide, contiguous frequency range. Gain and pattern are secondary. A well-designed LPDA will meet these VSWR specifications, but unless it is extremely large, will always have less forward gain than a 2 element Yagi for a particular amateur band. An excellent source for reference is the work by W4RNL, L.B. Cebik.
Force 12 LPDA’s are available in two models. The RK-7L, shown here, is a 7 element, 20' boom LPDA for 13-30 MHz. The RK-10L is a 10 element LPDA on a 30’ boom to cover 10-30 MHz. Both are rated at 100 mph. LPDA's with Force 12's excellent electrical and mechanical design are available for any frequency range, survival and power.

XR-5

Taking 6 years to develop, this antenna does for all five bands (20-17-15-12-10) what the C-3 has done for 20-15-10 meters. Triband Yagis have not been the same since the C-3 came on the scene. It changed the world forever! The new XR-5 is on an easy to handle 18’ boom and has one feed line. The pattern is excellent, with front to side in excess of 25dB and F/B of more than 15dB on all bands. The feed system is a double 3-band open sleeve, covered by our own patent. The XR-5 is plug-and-play and comes rated for 100 mph and >5KW.

RUBY 270

This 2 meter/70cm vertical is turning heads with its outstanding performance. It is a compact, single feed line vertical dipole following our ZR design. One of our dealers compared it to large so-called "gain verticals" (up to 16’ tall) and the Ruby-270 was ahead. How can that be? Simple – the "gain verticals" do not have the gain they claim. The Ruby-270 is 100% efficient and provides a clean pattern. It is incredibly strong and will survive just about any weather. It covers both bands with a VSWR of <1.4:1 and is shown with the optional stand. A commercial model is now available for 155 & 460: the First Responder. PRODUCTS Force 12 products are identified not only by their high performance, but also their unique "look". It is easy to spot a Force 12 by the features that have made them famous and featured in ads for years, such as, "If its riveted, it’s a Force 12"

Sometimes we forget innovations, as they have become the standard. Force 12 listened to you, the customer, which is how we became the leader. Adding to the earlier list, Force 12 is the first to provide:

• strong, low profile multi-taper elements
• quick, simple assembly
• "plug and play" on most designs: put it together (no measuring, no tuning) and put it on the air!
• FedEx / UPS shippable
• multi-monoband, trapless designs
• 2,3 & 5-band trapless feeds (open & closed sleeve)
• three band closed sleeve feed (patented)
• customer selectable single or independent feeds, such as on the C-31XR
• the most powerful triband Yagi in the world: C-49XR
• the only rotatable dipole for 160 meters

PRODUCT DETAIL

Mechanical Features

Force 12 antennas were developed to answer the needs and dreams of amateur operators. Some Force 12 innovations have been copied, as the superior techniques were recognized. Of course, the original is still the best – because we know why we do it! More than 10,000 HF antennas in the air world-wide gives us unsurpassed experience and knowledge.

An essential starting point for structural element design is to decide what functions an element design are supposed to accomplish. It is quite simple - an element is an airborne conductor and needs to remain an airborne conductor during all anticipated weather conditions. It also must withstand the anticipated stresses of installation.

FORCE 12 antennas are mechanically designed:

to make assembly as simple as possible;
to be the strongest and lightest possible;
for the lowest profile to the wind and to the eye.

Have you ever had elements rotate on the boom during installation, or worse - after they are on the air? Not with Force 12. Our element mounts are pre-mounted to the boom at the factory. There is nothing for you to do but bolt the element to the boom – the alignment is already done. The elements are positioned underneath the boom, where gravity says they should be. They are held in place by a pair of "U" bolts and are insulated from the mounting plates using UV-treated PVC tubing. The driven elements are split and spliced using solid, pultruded fiberglass rod for maximum strength. The feed point is a pair of stainless steel machine screws passed through the element halves at the center insulator.

Mechanical design is performed as a unit. Force 12 has always used a full structural model that enables looking at each piece of every element, each piece of the boom and the entire antenna as a structure.

Mechanical Ratings: Minimum wind rating on all antennas is 80 mph, with "D" option for 100 mph. The "XR" series is standard at 100 mph. Several antennas are available in the "H" series for 120 mph winds and custom designs available to 140 mph in the "HH" series. All 6 mtr antennas are standard at 140 mph and 2 mtr antennas are 200 mph.

Element description: Force 12 element design is based on using elements that are low profile, do not vibrate in light winds (no rope needed) and are strong. The elements are carefully designed multiple sections with a linear taper and decreasing wall thickness (i.e. 20 meter elements have a minimum of 6 tubing sizes). This creates elements that are low profile and "glide" in the wind. Each section fits into the next larger one. The larger section is swaged (reduced slightly in diameter using a special hydraulic machine) for the proper fit. The center of Force 12 elements are minimum double wall and some outer element sections include inner liners for added strength. The strength is accomplished through inner liners.

This is more work for us, but better for you:

each piece of tubing is pre-cut and de-burred; every element is pre-assembled, pre-drilled, identified and bundled before shipping.
	Complete element bundle for C-3S.

Element assembly is simple. When you open the box:

unwrap one element at a time; place the tubing pieces marked "A" on one side and those marked "B" on the other; paint each joint with a small amount of the provided anti-oxidant using the supplied brush; slide the joint together, slip in the rivets and "pop" them, completing the incredibly strong joint.
	Single C-3S element bundle.

RIVETS Yes, rivets! Force 12 is the first manufacturer to provide riveted element construction. The rivets used by FORCE 12 are from the aircraft industry and are called "closed end" rivets, since they are solid aluminum, with no hole. They are designed specifically for applications with vibration. If necessary, they can be drilled out for repairs or transport and new rivets installed for re-assembly. The use of sheet metal screws tends to render disassembly difficult at best, since material from the inner tube is pulled into the hole and into the space between the tubes. Hose clamps can break or become loose and present a nuisance when erecting the antenna.

Element Brackets & Booms: Most booms 18’ and longer are tapered in wall thickness. Some booms are also tapered in diameter. Splices of like diameters are made with either a swaged joint or an outer sleeve. In all cases, the joint is strong and secure. Boom sections are engraved at the joints (i.e. "A-A") for ease of assembly. Element and boom inner-liners are riveted together. Element brackets are pre-mounted in the proper locations and are identified for simple assembly. A C-3SS boom is shown to the right.

Easy-OnÔ mount: The mounting system for FORCE 12 beam antennas is the easiest ever to use. It is our original Easy-OnÔ mount and comes in standard and magnum sizes. Each Easy-OnÔ mount consists of two plates. One is attached vertically to the mast, with a bolt through its top center hole, held in place by the mast and protruding outward. The second plate is attached to the boom. When the antenna is raised, the boom plate over the bolt and the antenna is immediately suspended in place by the bolt and after the adding the lock washer and nut, the antenna is secure. This eliminates the need for multiple hands to attach U-bolts and saddles while trying to hold the antenna, lock washers and nuts – with the wind blowing! The standard boom-to-mast heavy duty U-bolts and saddles are for 2" masts (down to 1 ¼"). Optional mounting brackets to 3" are available.

Force 12 Antenna Series

Two comments from customers set the tone of the Force 12 family of amateur antennas:

High Performance, CC&R Friendly Antennas are multi-band verticals that are neighborhood friendly, including the Sigma-5 & GT-5 20-10 meter vertical dipoles (no radials!).

High Efficiency Verticals are multi & single band verticals: 160 through 2 meters; fixed, portable, DXpedition. Sigma vertical dipoles are available for 80 through 6 meters.

C-Series Multi-monoband Antennas are multi-band Yagis that cover 20-10 and 40-10 meters. Their basic design utilizes monoband Yagis in an overlay, plus forward stagger. They offer gain on 17 & 12 meters using a tuner and are rated for 80 mph winds, with optional models for 100 and 120 mph winds. The C-Series uses our patented open sleeve feed system.

XR Series come at 100 mph and are multi-monoband Yagis in an overlay design. The largest Yagis in the world for 20-15-10 are found here. XR’s come in three types covering 20-15-10, 40-20-15-10 and 20-17-15-12-10 meters. A version of our patented open sleeve and closed feed systems is used, plus the ability to use separate feed lines.

Strike Force Multi-monoband Antennas are Yagis utilizing single and duo-band Yagis in a forward stagger design. As with all Force 12 antennas, there are no traps. The highest gain and best performing 5 band Yagi is found here: the 5BA.

Dipoles, single and 2-band Yagis are now grouped together for easy comparisons. Elite Force ("EF" prefix) antennas and Magnum ("MAG" prefix) antenna are both included. There are also 40/20 & 40/30 Yagis in the line.

Sigma and "N" series Yagis feature the 85% full size "N" series for 40 and the new Sigma design for 80/75 meter Yagis.

Low Profile Towers and Trailers are our cost effective, popular aluminum towers, now available on a trailer.

INTERNET

Force 12 has an active and informative web site at:

http://www.force12inc.com and

e-mail: Sales/Technical Support: force12.sales@mac.com
Office Manager: force12.connie@mac.com

The entire contents of this brochure, plus much more information, is available from the web site. Please use the web site to print all the material you desire.

Acknowledgments

We thank those who contribute to our success with new ideas, encouragement and criticism. All are necessary to be successful.

A special note is always in order for motivating me to focus my creativity and energy and to keep moving ahead, to my family, who provide me with unending love and to all those who support us with prayer. There are many more of you who have been noticed for your support, too. I hope I always remember to thank you. If not – please let me know!

Thanks to you all and please keep on our case to always provide the best we can.

Sincerely,

Thomas H. Schiller, N6BT

President

ARRAY OF LIGHT, 2003 Enhanced Edition

This is a great book that you need to read. It is a compilation of many of the questions and conversations I have had with thousands of people at conventions, on the phone, at the office and at club meetings. It covers a wide variety of antenna subjects including erecting them, debugging a system, various designs, what you can expect, making connectors, tower work and safety, antenna efficiency, loss, gain, various manufacturer’s claims, a recap of multi-monoband development, plus operating and contesting and many more topics. It is 74, 8 ½ x 11 pages.

U.S.A. / Canada DEALERS

The remainder of the Product Specifications is available via:

returning to the download of the 2003 Brochure on this web site ("Back to Home Page", below).

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