Vari-Ten Wire Antenna Tensioners

Posted date: November 28, 2014in: Antenna

Our wire antenna tensioner is a high quality variable tensioning device that absorbs the shock on amateur radio antennas when the support trees sway in the wind. It is simple to install, camouflaged, and is designed to control wire tension and minimize antenna sag. Because the Tensioner is spring loaded the tensioning energy is at the tree top. Therefore antennas supported by a Tensioner can usually be placed much higher in a tree compared to antennas tensioned by a counterweight at ground level. The additional height is often 10 to 15’ which will improve your antenna’s performance.

Two basic models are available. Model 20-50 has a variable tension range up to 50 lbs and Model 30-100 has a range up to 100 lbs. Dimensions are identical. Each basic model has a “Reciprocal” mate that can be optionally used as the second unit in a two Tensioner installation.

Two Tensioners will double the tree sway distance and make a very rugged and stable antenna installation and is highly recommended. When pulling force is applied to either end of the Tensioner, colored calibration markers exit the barrel at 5 or 10 pound increments depending on the model. The visible markers make it easy to accurately adjust antenna wire tension and sag from the ground. Tensioners are installed in the tree top canopy in series with the antenna and the support halyard. Your antenna wire or its horizontal support line connects directly to the Tensioner’s end insulator. Installation requires just one support halyard that you also use to adjust the antenna’s static (working) tension to any value up to 25 lbs or 50 lbs, depending on model.

When the support trees sway in the wind the Tensioner will “make up” the sway distance and cushion any sudden forces on the antenna and ropes that could cause abrasion and antenna wire failure. The advantage of using two Tensioners is that they will compensate for twice the tree sway displacement of a single unit.

Visit for more information: http://antennatensioner.com