[QRP] Isotron Antennas

[Gardner L Harris]

Actually, by the time you buy an Isotron for each band you could have
purchased one of the new dipole antennas with the automatic sliding
elements. Sorry I can't remember the brand name.  The dipole is $600.

de W6AXM

On Fri, 23 Jan 2004 12:11:56 -0800 (PST) Daniel Reynolds
<aa0ni@yahoo.com> writes:
> --- crbink <crbink@sbcglobal.net> wrote:
> > I was thinking about using the Isotron 40,30,20,17,15 meter ones, 
> use
> > a 1" PVC from floor to ceiling and hang the antennas from the 
> pole.
> > 
> > BUT! How good are the antennas ??
> > 
> 
> 
> Hey Bink,
> 
> I have no experience with the Isotron, but I have read dozens of
> articles/postings on newsgroups and across the internet. Some folks 
> equate the
> Isotron to 'snake oil' or a dummy load, and others think they are a 
> great
> (compromise) antenna. 
> 
> My situation is similar to yours. I live in an apartment complex 
> with access to
> the attic space through my bedroom closet. If I could find an 
> Isotron and try
> it out, I would (especially since QRP is my main mode of 
> operation).
> 
> Some places to get other opinions on this antenna include:
> 
> http://groups.google.com (Search for 'Isotron')
> http://www.eham.com/reviews/ (Search for 'Isotron')
> 
> Since you didn't mention 80m operation, while you are eHam.com, be 
> sure to
> check out information on these alternative antennas:
> 
> - MFJ-1788 (or 1786) Super Hi-Q Loop (good for permanent set up - 
> has a remote
> box that controls the tuning of the antenna)
> 
> - W3FF Buddipole Portable Dipole/Vertical (good for temporary set up 
> - must
> have direct access to antenna to change bands and adjust tuning of 
> the antenna)
> 
> Both of these antennas offer multiband capability (except 80m). By 
> the time you
> buy all of the Isotron antennas, you could have bought one of these 
> two
> antennas. I own the Buddipole because I enjoy storing my K2 and 
> buddipole in my
> car and operate 'picnic table-portable' when it is nice outside. 
> This situation
> works really well for me as it gives me a portable antenna and a 
> 'prime QTH'
> away from the powerline noise and interferance of my apartment 
> complex.
> 
> If the MFJ loop had 80m capability, I would probably have one in my 
> attic by
> now. Most of my indoor operations would occur in the evening/night 
> time during
> the winter - so 40/80m would be my primary bands, and for that - I 
> might try
> out one of the Isotrons ... someday. It would be interesting to see 
> if a small
> multiturn loop (12' x 12') fed with feedline might do equally as 
> well as the
> Isotron.
> 
> You might get different results if you used 1" copper pipe, or 1" 
> steel or
> aluminum pipe instead of PVC to support the antenna. Some hams 
> believe that the
> reason the Isotron does so well for folks is because it is usually 
> attached to
> a tower near the top (and half of the antenna is the tower).
> 
> So - I can't offer you a 'biased' opinion one way or the other as 
> far as the
> Isotron is concerned. 
> 
> However, I can tell you that most folks who have used the Buddipole 
> are VERY
> pleased with it. You can buy one new for around $200...
> 
> http://www.buddipole.com/
> 
> ...or you can homebrew your own...
> 
> http://www.qsl.net/w3ff/
> 
> ... and there is a large following for the Buddipole since with the 
> B.U.G.
> (Buddipole Users Group). There, you will find hundreds of others who 
> are
> actively trying new things with this antenna (usually with QRP - and 
> some while
> they are portable... and others while they are actually hiking down 
> a
> trail!!!). Even "Budd" himself monitors the group, so you can e-mail 
> the
> 'manufacturer' and 'designer' of the antenna with your questions and 
> concerns.
> 
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Buddipole/join
> 
> So - I hope this helps you a little bit as you try to form an 
> opinion on the
> Isotron or look for a another antenna that should meet your needs.
> 
> 72,
> Daniel/AA0NI
> Oklahoma City
> 
> 
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