Codan NGT

Like any long aerial of the appropriate length, they work well. But not while mobile :))

See ThreadID: 60952. Discussion here about it.
Rod

Any Super Rod users I've 'commed' with all seem very happy with it... far as I know, it is just a device for conveniently elevating 9 metres (or so) of wire.... most autotunes use whips to a max of around 1.8m, being a practical compromise so long wires (in various arrangements) nearly always add great performance. I have heard (and seen) first hand though that some autotunes don't tune all commonly available frequencies on the long wire... the 14Meg area is one that I recall .... some networks (including their Radphone functions) use even higher numbers so they might be out of the auto's range too. Guess the usefulness of the beast is related to which frequencies you will be needing.

Hi Blue one
I recently installed the NGT and I agree, range & clarity are exceptional however, I'm disappointed that Codan does not allow users to program the radio. Any frequencies you want add to the NGT have to be programmed by a dealer who naturally wants to be paid for the time it takes.

My previous HF was a Barrett 950, also a very good radio and I found it easier to use than the NGT. The Barrett gave users the freedom to program frequencies.

Cheers,

Gidday blue one,

I have an NGT and also use a Super Rod. As said above, it's just a collapsible 'squid pole' with a light gauge wire running up its centre. The wire is approx 9metres in length and thus equals 1/4 wavelength for VKS Channel 2 (8 Mhz). Due to the design of the Codan autotune the Super Rod requires an L/C matching network to enable it to tune to 5Mhz. I use Bushphone frequencies regularly and do not have too many problems tuning their frequencies. As far as performance goes I usually have the base operators reporting me as very strong when logging in and using the SuperRod (compared to my SS whip side-by-side). Admittedly they are not cheap and you'll need the matching network for a Codan, however, they perform as advertised, take up little room, and they have the added benefit of being able to be used a back-up should your autotune become u/s (just stick the SupeRod's wire in the back of the txer, lay the rod on the ground and bang away on 8Mhz.

Cheers.

Thanks to all for your advice.

Cheers

The Codan 9350 auto tune antenna will tune an extended wire so long as the length is less than a quarter wave length. Use the formula 300 divided by the frequency in MHZ to give a full wave length in metres.
Example 8022 KHZ (8.022 MHZ) has a wave length of 37.39 metres.
A 1/4 wave is 9.35 metres.
No additional matching network is required as it is already there in the auto tune antenna.
The wire can be supported by a 9 metre or shorter squid pole that should cost less than $100.00.
By doing the math, you will see that this 9 metre wire will not tune frequencies over 8022 KHZ.
The reason that performance is enhanced is due to better radiation efficiency with an antenna close to a full 1/4 wave length.
I have found that there is no need to remove the Codan whip when using the squid pole, I just connect the wire into the spring.

Do not confuse this antenna with a long wire antenna. A long wire antenna is many wave lengths long.
Cheers, Tony.

Thanks Tony