Michael - unless you are interested in experimenting regarding this project, I have found the most effective, portable, flexible and lightweight wire antenna system for 20 meters is the PAR-20 EndFedz antenna system from LNR Precision. You can configure it as a vertical, horizontal or slanted antenna. With a portable telescoping pole on a tripod (or thrown up in a tree) it can be set up in about the same amount of time as the Buddistick, and has been more effective in my experience. Good luck.
Don Lewis, KI4D -----Original Message----- From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Michael A. Wong Sent: Thursday, September 29, 2016 1:01 AM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] "Random wire" vs Buddystick - myth, bias or luck? Hey folks, KX3 and Buddistick owner here. I've been getting a lot of feedback that I would get better performance (more contacts) with a random wire vs my Buddistick. So, while I've noticed that reception is much better with the wire, with the Buddistick, I get 1.1:1 according to the KX3 and have made all my contacts with the Buddistick. Now, recognizing the DIY nature of our hobby might lead people to recommend a random wire over a commercial antenna, if I actually manage to deploy the wire "optimally", should I really see performance equal or outpace the Buddistick? Or am I simply finding bad luck the times I try to get a QSO over a wire? I've tried deploying from a 30' pole sloping down, the hypotenuse of the triangle pointing to my desired direction. I tried deploying 40+ feet between two trees about 12' off the ground. Now I'm going to get a Zebco 202 and rig up my slingshot to deploy vertical. But honestly, I can get the Buddistick up and running in about 3 minutes.... Mainly, I'm on 20m and maybe I haven't read the right book on random wire antennas, but I would appreciate the group's thoughts. Sent from my iPad ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to k...@arrl.net ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
