[Elecraft] Buddipole and K3

[David Yarnes]

Henry asks how the Buddipole and the K3 work together.  I'm not sure what 
either has to do with the other, but they work fine together.  My point is 
that the K3 works fine, and so does the Buddipole, given each components 
inherent limitations.

I assume he really wants to know about the Buddipole!  It's a fine system, 
but a compromise one.  It will work well with any rig, but because it's not 
a miracle antenna system, you have to expect less will be achieved than if 
you were using something more substantial.  However, it is a versatile 
system, mainly for portable use.  The best thing about combining it with a 
K3 is that the K3 has a wonderful internal ATU (if you include that in your 
configuration), so it will perhaps work even better with the K3 than it 
might with some rig with either an inferior ATU, or no ATU at all.

You might want to scan the archives about comments on how the Buddipole 
performs, and how to enhance it's efficiency.  The K3 doesn't need much 
enhancing, so your best bet is to try and make your antenna system as good 
as you can get it.

That said, I do think it is a great combo for field operation, if that's all 
you really are asking.  However, the K3 won't make the Buddipole a better 
antenna than it is with most any other radio of similar capability.

Just keep in mind that the weakest link in most station set-ups is the 
antenna!  With the K3 you don't have to worry much about having a bad radio 
in the mix, but how well you are able to communicate is probably more 
dependent on how good your antenna really is.

Dave W7AQK