[HIham] Re: [hamradiohawaii] Outback antennas

[Ron Hashiro]

I used Ray Moody's Outback antenna once, on the Outpost tripod.

Seems to work better 20 meters and above.  Because it's longer, it
tends to do better than the Ironhorse or Hustler.  Ask Bev about
the DX contesting we did NAQP contest with the 5 watt QRP
Yaesu FT-817, the Outback and the Outpost.  I think we were on 10m.
She thought I was nuts to try it. I made her a believer working
Q's, getting S9's and "thank you for the new one".

Ernie claims it does an average of one S unit better than the Ironhorse.

However, it is much heavier, and will flex the Outpost tripod base.
If you use it on a mobile, you need a very solid 3/8-20 mount.  If you trunk
lid mount it, use a 1960's car, as modern cars have too thin sheet
metal on the trunk lid to stand up to the flexing.

If you really know what you want to do, and you're willing to
adapt to the Outback's needs, it's a good antenna.  I prefer
the less fickle Ironhorse or Hustlers.

One should also pack away a balanced dipole antenna,
fed by balanced ladder line.  It's true you need a balun
tuner, but if the wire antenna is made for 40m or 80m
and you can lay out the antenna, you can balance tune it
to run on any freq and get away with it.  I use the Van
Gordon pre-made antenna.  By the time you bought
all the pieces mail order, they sell you the finished
product in a plastic bag all assembled.  The wire antennas
are fairly cheap, plastic rope can be gotten at the hardware
store.  The most expensive piece is the balanced tuner,
such as the MFJ-941 series or better.

Ron H, AH6RH

Jim Yuen wrote:
>
> Hi Hams,
>
> The last request for information on the Buddi-Pole antenna was very
> gratifying. Thank you.
>
> In continuing to gather information on portable antennas, would
> anyone like to share their opinion, comments and/or experiences in
> using the Outback series of antennas, especially in the field.
>
> I'm particularly interested in any comments regarding the 40M and 80M
> bands. Does it work on 60M? Has anyone used it with a tuner?
>
> Please reply directly to this email forum so others can benefit from
> your thoughts, too.
>
> Thanks in advance,
>
> Jim WH6GS
>
> __._,_.___