[Harc] buddipole

lbuerer at suddenlink.net lbuerer at suddenlink.net
Thu Jul 9 18:11:16 CDT 2020


Howard

I bought Jim's Buddipole. No problems so far. But, it is a portable system not a permanent one. The wiring is not weather proof. The mast is small in diameter so mounting another antenna is problematic. Howards advise is a good wat to go. There are other ways, as well.

Larry KK6EEO
---- "Howard wrote: 
> Richard,
> 
> I think if you had the Buddipole Deluxe, you might find yourself going portable as a new way to use it.  I don't own one, but the Deluxe is the one I would get.  Jim Armstrong loved his, I don't remember who bought it from his estate, but I know it sold fast.  Others may reply who own/use one.
> 
> In general, it certainly will work at 17 feet, on 10 meters, when the band is open.  I would not recommend it as a permanent home antenna solution.  It is not built for that, and I would imagine it will suffer damage in the wind.  If you are out camping with a Buddipole and the winds get strong enough to challenge your tent, you'll take the Buddipole down as a precaution.
> 
> Far simpler would to erect a support pole or mast, and run a wire dipole antenna.  I say a mast, because with one high support, and Paracord off the ens of the two 8-ft legs of the 16-ft 10 meter dipole, the Paracord tied to tent stakes, or something taller, you can have an effective low-cost antenna to use while you are deciding on other options for permanent home installation.
> 
> If the dipole runs in a straight line, and is at least 16 feet off the ground, you have a good bi-directional antenna for HF.  If the yard doesn't allow for this, and the legs droop to points near or at ground level, the radiation pattern will be more omni-directional and this antenna will be called an "inverted vee".
> 
> Either of these will likely outperform the Buddipole, except that the Buddipole is rotatable, but once again, not designed to be rugged enough for permanent all-weather installation.  For temporary use, good.  Take it down after use.
> 
> If you want a more all-weather antenna, you can buy a 20-ft 2x2 Douglas Fir post, paint it against the elements (yes, please paint it), and put that up as a mast.  When I have done that, I run the coax up one side of the mast, taping it in place every few feet, and put the center insulator for the dipole at the top.  I have tried a fiberglass telescoping mast, but the end section is too flimsy to hold a dipole.  Wood is easier for me to work with than metal, but your experience may be different.
> 
> I could go on and on and often do, so I'll cut it off here.  More answers available to more questions as needed.
> 
> Howard, KB6NN
> 
> On 7/9/2020 2:53 PM, Richard Kern KN6FXK via Harc wrote:
> > Hello all.
> > 
> > I'm considering the buddipole system, with the 16 foot mast.
> > 
> > Has anyone purchased the "deluxe" version?
> > 
> > Are the tripod and mast well made?  I'm considering using this instead of
> > mounting something on the roof.  I might want to swap out the buddipole with a
> > high-gain 2-meter antenna on occasion.
> > 
> > Is the buddipole, at the 16-foot level, adequate for hf use?  I'm hoping for
> > something on the 10meters so I can start playing the digital games.
> > 
> > Any recommendations for or against?
> > 
> > I understand the advantage of portability, but I'm not sure I'd spring for the
> > system just for field use.
> > 
> > Thank you.
> > 
> > kn6fxk - Richard
> > 
> > 
> 
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