[Elecraft] "Random wire" vs Buddystick - myth, bias or luck?

[Larry Gauthier (K8UT)]

The most likely answer is "it depends." Despite the theoretical differences 
between the antennas, there are situational differences where one will 
out-perform the other: quality of ground, height, propagation, direction to 
receiving station...

BUT, you can measure those differences yourself. Tune-up on the Buddistick 
in the CW portion and send the string "test test de <your callsign> <your 
callsign>". Move your VFO 5 KHz and send the same string on the random wire.

Then open your browser to the Reverse Beacon Network's search page and enter 
your callsign.
http://www.reversebeacon.net/srch.php
Compare your received signal strength on each antenna by the stations who 
heard you. Run the test a few times to minimize QSB and propagation fading.

What do you get? The results ("which is better?") may be different as you 
move from one location to another. If you can carry both antennas use the 
one that's working.

-larry (K8UT)
-----Original Message----- 
From: Michael A. Wong
Sent: Thursday, September 29, 2016 1:01 AM
To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net
Subject: [Elecraft] "Random wire" vs Buddystick - myth, bias or luck?

Hey folks,

KX3 and Buddistick owner here. I've been getting a lot of feedback that I 
would get better performance (more contacts) with a random wire vs my 
Buddistick. So, while I've noticed that reception is much better with the 
wire, with the Buddistick, I get 1.1:1 according to the KX3 and have made 
all my contacts with the Buddistick.

Now, recognizing the DIY nature of our hobby might lead people to recommend 
a random wire over a commercial antenna, if I actually manage to deploy the 
wire "optimally", should I really see performance equal or outpace the 
Buddistick? Or am I simply finding bad luck the times I try to get a QSO 
over a wire?

I've tried deploying from a 30' pole sloping down, the hypotenuse of the 
triangle pointing to my desired direction. I tried deploying 40+ feet 
between two trees about 12' off the ground. Now I'm going to get a Zebco 202 
and rig up my slingshot to deploy vertical. But honestly, I can get the 
Buddistick up and running in about 3 minutes....

Mainly, I'm on 20m and maybe I haven't read the right book on random wire 
antennas, but I would appreciate the group's thoughts.

Sent from my iPad
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