Buddistick Ham Antenna Camping Set Up

[n4ktz]

I have a KX3, portable Elecraft on order and want a portable antenna. Given the cost difference, would you go with the buddistick over the buddipole? If I get the buddipole should I purchase any other accessories? If so, which ones? Deluxe kit or regular kit? Any help would be great. I see the reviews on buddistick is as good if not better than buddipole!

[johnrob281]

@n4ktz

Thanks for watching and for your comments. While I’ve never used the Buddipole, I can say the Buddistick is a fine antenna. It can take some fiddling to get the SWR as low as possible but once there it’s a fine antenna. I use it mostly when I have no trees around. If I have trees, I use the PAR EndFez 10/20/40...no tuning just throw it in a tree and talk!

73

John/W5CYF

[magrum21]

I just seem to keep finding more and more in common with you John. I just ordered a Buddistick for when I'm camping/portable. Will be using it for the Ohio State Parks on the Air contest coming up on 9/10/11. Will be QRP most likely at 5 watts. (SSB.) We'll see how it performs.

[johnrob281]

@magrum21

Tnx for your comments and for following along.

I think you'll enjoy the Buddistick a lot, especially in the park setting. Perhaps we can meet up for the OH SP contest. Signal is usually good between MS and OH.

All the best.

73

John/W5CYF

[Pawnfirst007]

good video john

[TheKC1ML]

Another great video John as usual.

[N2LRB]

John, I did not understand one aspect of your presentation. If you are using the coil and listening for the loudest noise level, then why use an antenna tuner? Don't you undo the use of the coil by using the tuner?

[johnrob281]

@N2LRB

Jose,

That’s a fair question! 

I use the “loudest noise’ tuning method to get the Buddistick in as close resonance as I can by listening. However too many youthful encounters with loud noises dramatically affected my hearing, so 60 years later I can only come fairly close to a good tune. The auto tuning feature then puts the rig spot on for a match. Actually, I usually use the MFJ-259B and it removes all doubt.

BTW: You've got a nice website.

73

John/W5CYF

[nn6aa]

john well done, well spoken presentation . not at all like a bunch of screwballs doing like video's... my congratulations....ed nn6aa

[johnrob281]

@nn6aa

Ed,

Thanks for your kind comments. The Buddistick is a really good portable antenna and I use it often while I RV.

73

John/W5CYF

[johnrob281]

@nn6aa

Ed,

Thanks for your comments, glad you enjoyed the video.

73

John/W5CYF

[QRPisFun]

Hi John!

Is there a manufacturer name on those cord tensioners? I've hunted all over the place and can't find them. No Academy here, but tried looking online. Zilch! LOL

Thanks and 73's

[johnrob281]

@QRPisFun

Chuck,

I found this online from Campmor. Item 1546, they are listed under line tightener. They look very similar to what I have.

--73--

John/W5CYF

[steveinkentucky]

I am also curious about the counterpoise. PAC 12 uses 4; Buddistick uses 1. ?

[johnrob281]

@steveinkentucky --- I have used up to four, counterpoise with the Buddistick and observed minimum (if any) improvement in either reception or transmission than with the one. I think it has something to do with the counterpoise being run as horizontal as possible and at least two feet off the ground. I find the electric fence post does an excellent job doing this.

--73—

John / W5CYF

[twylo]

@steveinkentucky -- I have a Buddistick too, and really love it. Yes, it comes with only one counterpoise, but you can add more home-made ones if you like. I was using 4 counterpoises for a while, but I normally operate with only one now, just because it's less hassle and doesn't seem to make much difference. The extra counterpoises don't really add more efficiency, but they do alter the pattern a little, with a few degrees lower takeoff angle and a more omnidirectional pattern. Nothing major.

[AI4QT]

Very well done!!! ... A few of us had gone up on Monte Sano (local mountain/hill in Huntsville) and wanted to take my buddypole real bad--- but no one else were hams-- except Jan (KJ4TUG) and she's a tech.... but again, great learning video. 73 AI4QT

[johnrob281]

@AI4QT -- When you get a chance to use it, I think you'll be happy with its performance. I am going to the Gulf coast tomorrow and will be doing some 'beach' radio.  ---73 / W5CYF--

[slapheadcodeman]

Good idea John.Anything that saves money is good!But just 1 counterpoise!I guess it would go even better if you could add more?

We use exactly the same electric fence stakes on the farm where I work in the UK!

73 Sandy

[johnrob281]

@slapheadcodeman -- I suspect your are correct about the counterpoise, however the thing works so well (considering its limitations of size), that I don't want to change much, However, one day........... I am going to try to add at least three more.

73 / W5CYF / John

[USNERDOC]

Awesome!

I always learn so much from your videos. I will have to incorporate these lessons for my Super Antenna.

73 de KF7ETX - David

[johnrob281]

@USNERDOC --- David, Thanks for watching. I appreciate your kind words and your fine videos. ---73--- John