[HIham] Re: [hamradiohawaii] Outback antennas

[Gary Pearce KN4AQ]

>Jim Yuen wrote:
>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?
>Thanks in advance,
>
>Jim WH6GS

Aloha from North Carolina, and hello to anybody reading from the BIARC....

I used an Outbacker Perth Plus on my car for about five years. It was 
adequate on 40 (lots of contacts with good signal reports), and good on 
20-10. My signal on 80 was always marginal. I didn't try it on 60 - I used 
a separate hamstick with adequate results.

I bought a new car last March, and decided to bite the bullet. I installed 
a full-size screwdriver antenna (Tarheel Model 200). The improvement was 
dramatic, especially on 80-60-40. Most of my 80 meter operation was on the 
state ARES net, so everyone was familiar with my mobile signal, and the 
compliments poured in. And it's more than handy to be able to change bands 
and move around a band like 80 meters, where the antenna's bandwidth is 
only about 15 kHz, from inside a moving vehicle.

There are several hams in NC using screwdriver antennas as fixed/portable 
antennas. They have similar good results if they have a good ground plane. 
I've also seen them mounted in pairs in a dipole configuration. That'll be 
expensive!

Since the big screwdrivers and the Outbackers are about the same price 
(~$400), I'd aim for the screwdrivers (though accessories, like automatic 
or memory control boxes and mounting brackets add to the price). My only 
direct experience is with the Tarheel brand, and quality seems excellent. 
They bend over backward to support their product and keep customers happy.

Good luck and 73,

Gary KN4AQ

ARVN: Amateur Radio//Video News
Gary Pearce KN4AQ
508 Spencer Crest Ct.
Cary, NC 27513
kn4aq at arvidnews.com
919-380-9944
www.ARVidNews.com