[Elecraft] Buddipole Antenna

[DYARNES at aol.com]

In a message dated 5/18/2004 7:10:39 AM US Mountain Standard Time, 
fred.bongard2 at verizon.net writes:
I know that this topics has been addressed in the past but I's like to 
ask again.

Has anyone used the Buddipole portable antenna system? Our family goes 
on vacation to "the mountains" every summer and we have small cabin 
(with 120 V). I could easily strings some wire between trees, but would 
like to buy something more convenient that I could use when traveling 
elsewhere. I have a K-2 with the internal low power antenna tuner 
(unbelievable radio - works like a dream). I use it primarily for QRP 
CW on 40, with some SSB on other bands. Would appreciate the group's 
thoughts. Thanks

Fred Bongard
WB6JLL

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I have both the Buddipole (just acquired at Dayton) and the PAC-12 system.  I 
suggest you look into both. I've only had a chance to use the Buddipole for 
an hour or so, but it is impressively designed and constructed.  It "hears" 
pretty well, even at a low height.  I suspect it will work fairly well, although 
I wonder if running QRP with the Buddipole using their rather short mast 
(optional) will be that effective.  But with a little more height I think it could 
be very effective.  I like the design and flexibility a lot.

The PAC-12 is a vertical system, and I think this is also a well designed and 
constructed system.  And, it is cheaper--by quite a bit.  I've used my PAC-12 
several times, and with good results.  You have to fiddle with the tuning a 
little, but if you have an antenna analyzer it's no big deal.  Of course, a 
tuner can solve a lot of problems too.

Back to the Buddipole.  One of the neat features of the Buddipole is that you 
can convert it into a vertical.  They sell a system separately called the 
Buddistick, but if you have a Buddipole you can effectively make your system do 
the same thing.  With the tapable coil supplied, you can adjust to any band the 
coil will cover.  Thus, you have a center loaded vertical which should be 
comparable to the PAC-12 in performance--maybe even better, I don't know yet.I'm 
going to experiment with this system quite a bit.  

So, if you are pretty cost conscious, I would recommend the PAC-12.  It's a 
great deal.  But if you aren't pinching pennies quite so much, I think the 
Buddipole system has a lot to offer.  Even though I haven't used it that much, I 
can tell it works pretty well depending on how you set it up.  There is a users 
group for the Buddipole which you might want to check into for more info.  
See the Buddipole website.

Dave W7AQK