[Elecraft] BuddiTune - Concept Device

[Daniel Reynolds]

Here's a new idea for an antenna analyzer - with a twist...

First I'll share the 'ultimate analyzer'... then the most likely candidate for
most of us.

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The Dream Device:

I wish that there was a palm sized device that plugged into the buddipole
antenna (could work with any other portable QRP antennas that need to be
tweaked on the go - MP1, etc) - about the size of a deck of cards (or radar
detector) and capable of the following.

- A switch to select from a number of pre-programmed or crystalized frequencies
(a stable oscillator - not tunable like the MFJ-259 - maybe one model was set
for all CW-QRP frequencies... and another model for middle of SSB territory -
and a third model for center of all bands)
- An audio output to give live feedback of SWR (so that you could tune the
buddipole on the fly - could be a tone, or clicks)
- A series of LEDs to give visual feedback of SWR... (if you needed a quick
look to get a relative reflection - maybe 10 LEDs for 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.5, 1.7,
2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 5.0, 10.0)

It would not have a frequency meter or digital display/LCD (Keep It Simple ...)

It would have three switches - a 3 way power switch (Off - Sight - Sound) - and
a momentary on switch (turns unit on to display SWR in 'Sight' mode), and a
band switch.

It wouldn't need to produce more than 0.1W - hopefully a 9V could power the
device.

If Elecraft decided to ... they could probably make a kit and sell hundreds of
them.

If they used the right frequencies (QRP-CW) ... maybe QRP ops might make use of
them as simple transmitters too... just tap the 'sight' button send out your
CQ(maybe need to design an optional receive output)

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A similar and simpler device (minus the bandswitch, momentary on/off switch,
the LEDs and RF Oscillator) might go between the antenna and radio and use a
transmitted signal that monitors SWR and gives an audible reading at the
antenna as the operator tweaks the coils and whips for lowest SWR. It would
only need an on/off switch, and it would not sound unless a signal was present.
It would only need to give a relative reflected power with it's audio feedback.
So - I guess maybe a simple audio oscillator (e.g. 555) driven by a DC voltage
provided by a reflected power reading... build it into a well shielded case
with a speaker and on/off switch (sliding switch - not the push switch like the
MFJ-259) and input at the bottom, and output (antenna side) at the top - and
you have the ultimate live feedback SWR tuning device.

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I realize that touching a 'live antenna' will cause the SWR to go wildly up and
down - even placing your hand/arm/body within six inches has a great effect -
hopefully the operator will be able to quickly make a change and note the
relative change in pitch between changes as he adjust the whips and coils - AND
have enough sense to keep the power at QRP/QRPp levels.

If there already is a device (<$50) - let me know! If not - maybe someone with
the right stuff can design one and share the knowledge.

Thanks for bearing with my brainstorming...

- Daniel/AA0NI
Oklahoma City