[QRP] Isotron Antennas

[W8OKN]

I have a $50, 901B MFJ tuner and a random wire out the window and I work
160m everynight.

Last night I worked CA, NM, AZ, CT, CO and last year I worked France.  All
for about a total investment of $70.

Just a heads up on spending cash on an Isotron.

W8OKN

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Gardner L Harris" <gardnerh@juno.com>
To: <qrp@mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Sunday, January 25, 2004 5:37 AM
Subject: Re: [QRP] Isotron Antennas


> 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
> >
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > QRP mailing list
> > QRP@mailman.qth.net
> > http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/qrp
> >
> >
> _______________________________________________
> QRP mailing list
> QRP@mailman.qth.net
> http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/qrp