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

Thu Sep 29 12:49:26 EDT 2016

Thanks Matt:

This is pretty close to what I have, but I’ve done a 36’ radiator and 13’ counterpoise. So maybe it’s in the details. I have my antenna wire (100’) wound on a kite string winder. I spool out what I calculate I need and the other end is connected to my BNC/banana adapter. So I have 60+’ of wire still wound on the reel. Is the inductance effect of the remaining wire wound on the reel have any effect on the antenna?

<Getting ready to be schooled.>

Michael 
K2MAW

> On Sep 29, 2016, at 9:39 AM, Matt Zilmer <mzilmer at roadrunner.com> wrote:
> 
> Hi Michael,
> 
> If your KX3 has the ATU, you can use the following random wire for 20 through 10m, and it will work under all conditions I've come across.  I've used it on 40m as well, but there are more dependencies on height of the radiator (to be effective).
> 
> 28 foot radiator (I use #20 stranded).  If you have a tree or even a tall bush nearby, weight one end of the wire and toss it into the tree as high as you can.
> 
> 13 to 17 foot counterpoise, or "trailer" wire.  This can be laid on the ground, usually opposite of the direction your radiator is sloped.
> 
> Use a Banana to BNC adapter at the KX3, and attach the radiator to the red post.  The black post is attached to the counterpoise wire.  Use your ATU to adjust feedpoint SWR.
> 
> As a testimonial to this antenna configuration, I've used it on multiple field days at 5W to score a ton of QRP contacts.  One year, I was outscoring our main station running a K3 at 100W while I had the KX3 using this antenna (at least some of that is technique and luck).
> 
> When you're done at the site, pull your radiator wire back down and wind it up with the counterpoise wire.  Then - you're on to your next site.
> 
> 73,
> 
> matt W6NIA
> 
> 
> On 09/29/2016 09:22 AM, Michael Wong wrote:
>> Thanks everyone! Larry's was great, quickly actionable advice. I’ll do this the next time I go out. I don’t have a shack, and am still hunting around for a spot where I can try some of the other great suggestions (that I can fit in my backpack and if I actually find a spot where I can string up a wire.
>> 
>> I do use a wire counterpoise for both my wire and Buddistick and try to keep it off the ground except for the end.
>> 
>> Yes, I have an older copy of the antenna book and I’m in the transmission lines chapter. I guess I should just skip ahead to the long wire chapter.
>> 
>> Given all the advice, I’m going to continue to try to find a good wire antenna deployment given the random locations I tend to drop in at.
>> 
>> Thanks all!
>> 
>> Michael
>> K2MAW
>> 
>> 
>>> On Sep 29, 2016, at 8:34 AM, Bill <k9yeq at live.com> wrote:
>>> 
>>> That's great advice, Larry!
>>> 
>>> Bill
>>> K9YEQ
>>> 
>>> -----Original Message-----
>>> From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of 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
>>> 
>>> 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.
>>> 
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> 
> -- 
> "Always store beer in a dark place." -- R. Heinlein
> 
> Matt Zilmer, W6NIA
> [Voignier]
> 
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