Being a big fan of portable DX work and having used a number of different vertical and horizontally polarised antennas for COTA, LOTA and IOTA DX’ing, I’m always on the lookout for something to make the DX-pedition experience a little easier and more successful. Recently, I stumbled across a new antenna — a little different than I had used before — ideal for DX adventurers because it reportedly packs one helluva punch on 11m.

Optimised for transmit power up to 250 watts and proven for high quality DX work, the Buddipole is a secret weapon used by HF portable operators, particularly in the US. Covering 2-40 meters, the Buddipole appears fair dinkum perfect for all types of DX situations including 11m field day activities such as the Mountain Radio Challenge (MRC) and the World Wide Field Day (WWFD), IOTA DXpeditions, COTA work etc.

Because it collapses to just over 50 cm in length and weighs less than 1 kilogram (That’s less than a six pack of beers), you can hide it in your backpack when you’re holidaying with the YL and pull it out for some secret DX’ing when she’s out shopping for shoes. You can also keep it in your car and rip it out whenever you need a versatile and efficient portable antenna system up and running in minutes! The Buddipole may be small in size when hidden the confines of your backpack or glove box but when fully extended it reaches 4.9 metres in length.

Selling for around $400 US, the Buddipole package includes everything you need for setting up an efficient portable antenna solution anywhere in the world in just a few minutes. The package includes the following custom components which all fit into the padded cordura nylon custom-carrying bag:

∙ The Buddipole Antenna (9 bands, 2 - 40 meters) with 25 foot coax assembly (includes VersaTee!)
∙ Tripod - extendable legs and locking base
∙ Portable Mast – extends to 8’ in height
∙ Rotating Arm Kit – change configurations
∙ Antenna System Bag – padded cordura nylon w/shoulder strap
∙ Extra Stainless Steel Telescopic Whip
∙ 3 extra Coil Clips
∙ Antenna Operating Manual
∙ FREE – New 10-page modelling report

Engineered using ultra light composite materials and High-Q coils, the antenna system comes complete with two 22" black anodized aluminium arms, 2 multi-band coils (40m - 10m) with adjustable coil tap system (includes 3 removable taps, with coils premarked for 40, 30, 20, 17, 15, 12, and 10 meters — 6 and 2 meters are configured without coils), 2 stainless steel telescopic whips, the VersaTee™ with 3/8" x 24 adapters, BNC/PL259 coax connector assembly (includes RF beads) with 25' of coax, nylon "pack cloth" carrying bag with stretch velcro strap, black thermoplastic carrying case, and operating manual.

Darren
43SD054/ 43FR011
Admin Team
'11m DX Activities Oz'