[Elecraft] BuddiTune - Concept Device

[Bob Nielsen]

Take a look at the Tenna Dipper:

http://www.w0ch.net/fsqrp/kits/kits.htm

Not quite what you described, but the price is right and it looks like
an interesting kit.

73,
Bob, N7XY

On Thu, Jun 26, 2003 at 09:16:07AM -0700, Daniel Reynolds wrote:
> 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.
> 
> =====
> 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)
> 
> -----
> 
> 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.
> 
> =====
> 
> 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