The Homebrew Buddipole FAQ File
The Top Ten (or so) most-asked questions about the web site version of the
Buddipole
#1. Why do
you use CPVC and not PVC?
#2. Why
use the blue electrical connectors from Radio Shack?
#3. Have you
considered other electrical connectors?
#4. Why
do you use speaker wire and not some specialized antenna wire?
#5. Why
did you choose the Radio Shack whips? Aren't they flimsy?
#6. What can I
do to strengthen the CPVC couplers?
#7. How hard is it to wire
the dipole?
#8. What's
the easiest way to put the antenna together?
#9. Any
tips on optimizing the signal out of the antenna?
#10. Can I work DX with this
antenna?
Bonus Question!
#1. Why do you
use CPVC and not PVC?
A: I started out with PVC, and found that the lighter schedule material
was too flimsy. Schedule 40 PVC was much too heavy. So, the CPVC was a
compromise.
#2. Why
use the blue electrical connectors from Radio Shack?
A: First, because they are readily available at any local RS store. The
BLUE connectors accept larger size wire than the red ones, so you can fold the
bared #20 speaker wire, shove it into the connector, crimp it, and have a much
stronger connection.
#3. Have you
considered other electrical connectors?
A: Sure, but the ones from RS are much cheaper, make a great electrical
connection, and are available locally.
#4. Why
do you use speaker wire and not some specialized antenna wire?
A: When you cut the speaker wire and then split it in two, you have the
same amount of wire for each coil. That makes construction easier. And
again, it's a low cost alternative.
#5. Why
did you choose the Radio Shack whips? Aren't they flimsy?
A: The 72" whips weigh just 2.2 ounces each. They are still available in the USA. Yep, they are not sturdy, but if you are careful with
them, they will serve you well. RadioShack.com has them listed at times
under "Replacement Rod Antennas".
#6. What can I
do to strengthen the CPVC couplers?
A: Well, you can use PVC/CPVC cement to glue some of the couplers to the
dipole arms or to the coils. The problem is that this may stop you from
taking it apart for traveling and storing the antenna. I would probably cement a
coupler to the whip assembly. Then perhaps one coupler could be cemented
to each outer end of the inner dipole
arms.
#7. How hard is it to
wire the dipole?
A: Not difficult at all. If you follow the instructions closely,
when it is time to connect the blue electrical connectors, you will find that
the male and female connections will be correctly situated so that the
connectors mate perfectly.
#8. What's
the easiest way to put the antenna together?
A: I like to take a small tripod and a telescoping mast and set them up
in an open area. Then I put the T on the top of the mast. I put the
dipole arms on next, followed by a coil on each end of the arm and finally the
whip assembly. If you don't have a tripod, assemble the antenna on the
ground and raise it to the mast.
#9. Any
tips on optimizing the signal out of the antenna?
A: Yes. Buy or borrow an antenna analyzer as I mention in the
instructions on the web site. Then mark the dipole arms with a Marksalot
pen, so that you know how many whip sections to pull out on each band. Check the
output power on your transceiver to see if you are putting out the maximum power
for the rig, depending on the power setting you choose. I always check for
maximum power output before transmitting, whether it's 10 watts or 50 watts,
etc. I want to be sure the antenna is adjusted so that this is the
final tuning procedure.
#10. Can I work DX with this
antenna?
A: Many folks have. I've worked DXCC and WAS. Max,
ZL1BK, set several Pedestrian Mobile world records using a Buddipole
in a sloper position while standing near the ocean in New Zealand, working
Demetre, SV1UY, who was on a mountain in Greece. Max and Demetre were
actually S-8 each way on 20 Meters on the LONG PATH in 2001 in one of their QSOs.
At that time, each was using a Buddipole (same version as on the web site) and
FT-817 transceivers at five watts output. GREAT conditions that day,
eh?
Personally, one of the highlights has been working the D68C DX-pedition in 2001
on 10 FM while I was pedestrian mobile using the Buddipole. What a kick!
Northern CA to the Indian Ocean while walking. And in the Fall of
2005, with half the antenna (a Buddistick) mounted on the handlebars of my
mountain bike, I worked all the continents including Antarctica in one 24 hour
period with 50 watts from the bicycle mobile station.
Bonus Question! Do you offer the Buddipole as a commercial antenna?
A: Yes, you can see the antenna at www.buddipole.com.
The new commercial version is made of hi-tech materials and features custom-made
stainless steel whips, hi 'Q' multi-band coils, and an optional adjustable arm
kit.
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Updated 1/1/05