[Elecraft] Buddipoles and KX1

[KBG Luxford]

Without wanting to get into a religious war on the subject of dipoles vs 
vertical antennas, I just want to state that I have very successfully 
used a quarter wave vertical on 20 metres while camping.  The radiating 
element was made from about 1.5 inch O.D. aluminium telescoping tube 
adjusted to the right length for resonance, with four quarter wavelength 
radial wires that had polyethylene ropes fastened to their ends also 
served as guys.  The radials/guys drooped down at about 45 degrees. A 
painted wooden round pole was inserted into the bottom end of the 
aluminium tube radiator and fastened by a stainless bolt and wingnut. 
This bolt also served as the attachment point for the centre conductor 
of the 50 Ohm coax transmission line.  The SWR was low and required no 
antenna coupling unit.  The whole thing disassembles in minutes and is 
stored inside a PVC tube which takes little room in the back of the 
station wagon, estate wagon or pickup.

Although I have not yet done this, a tube cutter could be used to score 
lines in the telescopic tubing to mark the 15 metre and 10 metre 
resonance points.  Appropriate length radials would have to be used for 
each band.

The point of all this is that a very inexpensive antenna can be both 
portable and be used to work the world on quite low powers, and is a 
good option when travelling where masts or trees are not readily 
available.  The footprint is low, and a flag can always be flown at the top.

73
Kevin
VK3DAP / ZL2DAP