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BIG SIGNAL 12BS-3B
The Quad built to compete. A true DX Killer.
The BIG SIGNAL 12BS-3B is a high-performance tri-band Quad antenna developed with one very specific goal: to bring the performance of three monoband antennas together in a single antenna installed on one tower.
Its electrical and mechanical design has been developed with DXing and contesting in mind, where gain is not the only factor that matters: efficiency, directivity, signal-to-noise ratio and the ability to work weak signals on crowded bands are equally important.
Bands: 20 / 15 / 10 m
Physical elements: 7
Active elements: 12
Boom length: 26.57 ft (8.1 m)
Feed system: Independent 50 Ω feed for each band
Recommended use: Contest / DX / SO2R / Multi-operator stations
Physical elements: 7
Active elements: 12
Boom length: 26.57 ft (8.1 m)
Feed system: Independent 50 Ω feed for each band
Recommended use: Contest / DX / SO2R / Multi-operator stations
Three bands. Three feed lines. One antenna.
Unlike a conventional tri-band antenna, the 12BS-3B has been designed to optimize the performance of each band individually. Its 12 active elements are distributed across 7 physical elements:
• 20 meters: 3 active elements
• 15 meters: 4 active elements
• 10 meters: 5 active elements
• 15 meters: 4 active elements
• 10 meters: 5 active elements
Each band has its own independent 50 Ω feed line. This allows each band to be integrated directly into the station architecture and, when used with the appropriate band-pass filters, enables simultaneous operation on 10, 15 and 20 meters.
Designed for high-performance stations
An architecture particularly well suited for SO2R, Multi-Single, Multi-Two and Multi-Multi contest stations, as well as advanced DX installations and future stacked configurations.
Designed for when every dB counts
• Full-wave Quad elements
Its closed full-wave elements provide a highly efficient electrical configuration on each of its three bands.
Its closed full-wave elements provide a highly efficient electrical configuration on each of its three bands.
• High gain with a manageable boom length
The Quad geometry makes it possible to achieve high levels of gain and directivity without requiring the considerably longer booms that certain equivalent Yagi configurations would need.
The Quad geometry makes it possible to achieve high levels of gain and directivity without requiring the considerably longer booms that certain equivalent Yagi configurations would need.
• Excellent signal-to-noise ratio
The closed-loop geometry of the elements can provide exceptionally clean reception, an important advantage when pulling weak DX signals out of noise and interference.
The closed-loop geometry of the elements can provide exceptionally clean reception, an important advantage when pulling weak DX signals out of noise and interference.
• High directivity
Its radiation pattern concentrates energy toward the desired direction while improving rejection of signals arriving from other directions, an especially valuable advantage on crowded bands during contests.
Its radiation pattern concentrates energy toward the desired direction while improving rejection of signals arriving from other directions, an especially valuable advantage on crowded bands during contests.
• Radiation pattern optimized for DX
The antenna is designed to favor a low radiation angle, particularly beneficial for long-distance communications.
The antenna is designed to favor a low radiation angle, particularly beneficial for long-distance communications.
• Improved signal stability
Quad geometry can provide favorable behavior when signal polarization changes during propagation, helping to reduce the perceived effects of QSB under certain conditions.
Quad geometry can provide favorable behavior when signal polarization changes during propagation, helping to reduce the perceived effects of QSB under certain conditions.
Developed in a real-world contest environment
The 12BS-3B was developed and validated at the ED2X contest station, where its performance was tested under real-world conditions involving intense competition, weak signals and demanding operating environments.
No-compromise construction
The 12BS-3B has been engineered not only to deliver high electrical performance, but also to withstand the mechanical demands of a permanent outdoor installation.
Its construction combines a heavy-duty structure, W4 stainless steel hardware, fiberglass components manufactured specifically for BIG SIGNAL and BIG SIGNAL Wire, all selected to provide strength, stability and long-term outdoor durability.
12BS-3B Advantages
• 3 / 4 / 5 active elements on 20 / 15 / 10 m.
• 12 active elements in a single antenna.
• Independent 50 Ω feed for each band.
• Supports simultaneous operation with the appropriate filters.
• Ready for SO2R and Multi-operator stations.
• Designed with future stacked configurations in mind.
• A single structure covering 10, 15 and 20 meters.
• 12 active elements in a single antenna.
• Independent 50 Ω feed for each band.
• Supports simultaneous operation with the appropriate filters.
• Ready for SO2R and Multi-operator stations.
• Designed with future stacked configurations in mind.
• A single structure covering 10, 15 and 20 meters.
Built to compete. Designed for DX.
When every decibel counts, antenna performance is not measured by gain alone. It is also measured by what you can hear, what you can reject, and the signals you can turn into another QSO.
The BIG SIGNAL 12BS-3B was created around precisely that philosophy: combining gain, efficiency, directivity and low-noise reception in an antenna built for stations where performance is not optional — it is a priority.
BIG SIGNAL – Less noise. More signal.
Technical Specifications
Bands: 10 / 15 / 20 m
Active elements: 12
Configuration: 5 elements on 10 m / 4 elements on 15 m / 3 elements on 20 m
Physical elements: 7
Gain: 11.1 / 10.21 / 9.1 dBi (free space)
F/B ratio: 23.4 / 17.07 / 23.5 dB
Maximum power: 5,000 W PEP
Boom length: 26.25 ft (8 m)
Turning radius: 14.76 ft (4.5 m)
Overall height: 17.22 ft (5.25 m)
Weight: approximately 99.2 lb (45 kg)
Wind resistance: > 93 mph (150 km/h)
Wind load: 8.0 ft² (0.743 m²) | 583.255 N | @ 74.6 mph (120 km/h)
Active elements: 12
Configuration: 5 elements on 10 m / 4 elements on 15 m / 3 elements on 20 m
Physical elements: 7
Gain: 11.1 / 10.21 / 9.1 dBi (free space)
F/B ratio: 23.4 / 17.07 / 23.5 dB
Maximum power: 5,000 W PEP
Boom length: 26.25 ft (8 m)
Turning radius: 14.76 ft (4.5 m)
Overall height: 17.22 ft (5.25 m)
Weight: approximately 99.2 lb (45 kg)
Wind resistance: > 93 mph (150 km/h)
Wind load: 8.0 ft² (0.743 m²) | 583.255 N | @ 74.6 mph (120 km/h)
Gain and F/B by band: the values shown correspond respectively to 10 / 15 / 20 meters.
Configuration by Band
• 10 meters: 5 active elements | 11.1 dBi | F/B 23.4 dB
• 15 meters: 4 active elements | 10.21 dBi | F/B 17.07 dB
• 20 meters: 3 active elements | 9.1 dBi | F/B 23.5 dB
• 15 meters: 4 active elements | 10.21 dBi | F/B 17.07 dB
• 20 meters: 3 active elements | 9.1 dBi | F/B 23.5 dB
Gain values calculated in free space.
Independent Feed System by Band
Three bands. Three independent 50 Ohm feed lines.
The 7BS-3B features three independent coaxial feed lines, one dedicated to each operating band: 10, 15, and 20 meters. This architecture allows each band to be integrated independently into advanced DX and contest stations.
Construction and Materials
The days of fragile Quad antennas are over.
The perception of the Quad as a mechanically delicate antenna belongs to another era. At BIG SIGNAL, we combine CNC machinery, in-house manufacturing capabilities, and materials specifically selected for each structural function, allowing us to design and manufacture purpose-built components rather than adapt generic solutions. The result is a modern, precise, and robust Quad, engineered for permanent outdoor installation.
• Boom / mast plate
Structural 9.84 × 9.84 × 0.39 in (250 × 250 × 10 mm) plate, engineered to provide a strong connection between the boom and mast.
Structural 9.84 × 9.84 × 0.39 in (250 × 250 × 10 mm) plate, engineered to provide a strong connection between the boom and mast.
• Heavy-duty boom
2.76 × 0.079 in (70 × 2 mm) square profile, engineered to withstand the mechanical demands of a large-format antenna while maintaining structural stability.
2.76 × 0.079 in (70 × 2 mm) square profile, engineered to withstand the mechanical demands of a large-format antenna while maintaining structural stability.
• Spreader system
Constructed using 1.18 × 0.20 in and 0.98 × 0.12 in (30 × 5 mm and 25 × 3 mm) angle profiles, designed to provide rigidity and support for the Quad elements.
Constructed using 1.18 × 0.20 in and 0.98 × 0.12 in (30 × 5 mm and 25 × 3 mm) angle profiles, designed to provide rigidity and support for the Quad elements.
• Hardware and fasteners
Made from W4 stainless steel, selected to provide high mechanical strength and durability in permanent outdoor installations.
Made from W4 stainless steel, selected to provide high mechanical strength and durability in permanent outdoor installations.
• Fiberglass system
Custom-made half-round fiberglass tubing designed to fit the surface of the spreaders. It incorporates woven fiberglass reinforcement and UV protection to improve mechanical strength and long-term durability in outdoor environments.
Custom-made half-round fiberglass tubing designed to fit the surface of the spreaders. It incorporates woven fiberglass reinforcement and UV protection to improve mechanical strength and long-term durability in outdoor environments.
• BIG SIGNAL Wire by Messi & Paoloni
Special copper wire with a polyethylene (PE) jacket, selected to provide excellent protection against weather exposure and high mechanical strength.
Special copper wire with a polyethylene (PE) jacket, selected to provide excellent protection against weather exposure and high mechanical strength.
• Feed system
System with 3 independent 50 Ohm feed lines, one for each operating band.
System with 3 independent 50 Ohm feed lines, one for each operating band.
Construction
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Reviews
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The purchase of the products is always made on request. We manufacture all products, so manufacturing times can be added. That is why the final price of the purchase, as the final price of the shipping costs will be confirmed in an email sent afterwards.
The form of payment will be made once the email is received, so at all times you can cancel the order informing us of the process.
Excited to receive soon this antenna that will replace my TH7DX.
I hope to get a good spot in the next contest in 2027.....