[Elecraft] Buddipole Antenna

[Lawrence Makoski]

Dave,

I replied to Fred privately before; but I'd like to post this to the
list.  I really can't afford either system right now; as I recently
bought a K2 and am pretty tapped out.

I have hombrewed both systems, however.  The Buddipole instructions can
be found at http://www.qsl.net/w3ff   and instructions for the PAC-12
can be found on the NJQRP site (and I believe there is a link on the
AmQRP site).

Both work well.  My first QSO with my homebrew Buddipole was with CU2IJ,
Luis in the Azores.  I was in the backyard running with 5 watts from the
K1 and the Buddipole was bungeed to my deck with a total antenna height
of about 12 feet.  It was a two-way QRP QSO, by the way, Luis was
running 5 watts also.  And this wasn't at the height of the sunspot
cycle either, this just happened a few weeks ago.

The PAC-12 is what I used for QRPTTF.  I didn't get to devote much time
to the contest; but it tuned easily and performed well.  I got nice
reports from the South and Southwest that day. All reports were 559 or
better. I am planning to take both with me on vacation this June.

Both antennas ran about 30 bucks a piece to homebrew.  You can check out
pictures on my website under the "Portable Ops" page.  I would recommend
either antenna.  If cost is a factor, the PAC-12 is less expensive if
you're going to buy commercial versions.  The commercial PAC-12 runs
around $75.00 and the basic commercial Buddipole runs about $199.00.  If
you're handy, you could homebrew BOTH for under $100 easy.

Standard disclaimers:  I have no connection with either Buddipole or
PAC-12.  And neither of these antennas will outperform a tri-bander at
50 feet or probably a regular ol' dipole at 30 feet, either.  But if you
want to set up a QRP operation in the field quickly, without muss and
fuss; then these are two workable solutions. IMHO, it beats slinging
wire up into the trees.

73 de Larry W2LJ - Vivat Morse! © ®

W2LJ at arrl.net
http://www.qsl.net/w2lj

ARRL Lifemember  QRP ARCI #4488     NJQRP #47
FISTS #1469  QRP-L #778   FP #612  QRPp-I #759
ARS #1528,  AmQRP, CQC #746

K1 #1647  -  K2 #4090  for QRP
Icom IC-751A for QRO
Butternut HF9V and G5RV antennas