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

[Don Lewis (KI4D)]

Michael - unless you are interested in experimenting regarding this project,
I have found the most effective, portable, flexible and lightweight wire
antenna system for 20 meters is the PAR-20 EndFedz antenna system from LNR
Precision.  You can configure it as a vertical, horizontal or slanted
antenna.  With a portable telescoping pole on a tripod (or thrown up in a
tree) it can be set up in about the same amount of time as the Buddistick,
and has been more effective in my experience.   Good luck.

Don Lewis, KI4D 

-----Original Message-----
From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of
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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