[Elecraft] HFp portable vertical antenna

[David Yarnes]

Stan and all,

I watched your video.  Very nicely done.  Looks like you had a very nice 
time on the 4th with your experiment.

I also have the HFp system, and it does work pretty well, considering it's 
inherent limitations.  On 20 and above, it will work best.  On lower bands, 
like most compromise verticals, it doesn't do so hot.  80 meters is marginal 
at best.

I don't really know how well it compares to other systems, like the 
Buddipole or MP-1, but I suspect it might be a bit less effective, mainly 
because those systems are more versatile, in that you can modify them easily 
to gain more efficiency.  They are also easier to deal with when changing 
frequency or bands.  The HFp is a bit convoluted in this area, in that you 
have to swap out various sections they supply to do so.  You definitely need 
to keep your "cheat sheet" handy to get the right combination.  But it does 
work!!!  Right now, the MP-1 system is nearly impossible to find, but 
hopefully it will be available again soon.  I haven't talked to Vern, W6MMA, 
recently, but the last time I did he was reasonably optomistic that he was 
making headway with his supplier issues, etc.

You might want to try elevating that HFp system a bit, including the 
radials.  Maybe that's a problem for you, but it does help increase 
efficiency.  Otherwise, I'd add a bunch more radials for a ground mounted 
system.

I certainly agree with you about Begali paddles.  They are hard to beat!

Good luck, and hope to hear that "559" signal coming west!  Hi.

72,

Dave W7AQK






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