Tue Oct 11, 2011 7:31 pm by HallisChalmers
Good timing!
I have been looking at the Buddipole for the past week or so - trying to talk myself out of NOT buying one. But it sure seems intriguing.
I've read some of the reviews and honestly, I don't put a lot of stock in what people say, for one simple reason: Their expectations are too high.
There is no way that an AVERAGE ham radio, man portable comm's pack can perform optimally, given the physical limitations of the radio/antenna/ground/mounting system.
Some of the younger hams expect too much, probably given the "plug-play" mindset that is in their heads. To squeeze some signal out over a long distance, you have to work at it. If you are in the mountains, well you have a height advantage. But the hard part is putting together a compact grounding (actually a counterpoise) system that can work as well as a full set of multiple 1/4 wave radials. At best, for the sake of expediency, you'll be able to reel out one (1) 1/4 wave radial that you can lengthen or shorten to accommodate the freq of operation.
Some people can't get that through their thick skulls. Operating portable - in the field will ALWAYS be a challenge.
Having said that, I think our friend the Buddipole has a HUGE potential for emergency comm's. And I am kind of partial to his brother - the BuddiStick. To my eyes, that would be the ideal set up. Your antenna "footprint" is much smaller (clandestine?) given the vertical nature of the antenna. True, a V - or true dipole would be best, but we are talking something that you (one-man) can get on the air quickly, with minimal muss or fuss. Trust me, trying to sling a dipole between two trees is a bitch - and the Buddipole eliminates a large part of that by having a tripod and V-antenna formation. But, you have to admit, it would take a bit more time to set up than the BuddiStick. Also, it's a lot cheaper. And let's face it - hamsters are a cheap, frugal bunch that will drive 300 miles through the snow - uphill both ways- just to get a 10 ft section of coax for free. Does he need it? No - but he MIGHT need it and , hey - it was free.
I'm going to look into this a bit more and decide if I want to go this route.
Glad to see you back on the forum, Wolf.
HC