THE W3FF HOMEBREW BUDDIPOLE
A PORTABLE ANTENNA DESIGN FOR AMATEUR RADIO
History of the Buddipole

In January of 2000, Budd W3FF began experimenting with a “walking portable” ham station. Since
then, thousands of stations have been worked on the amateur radio bands, mostly from
10 Meters through 60 Meters.

The radio of choice here is a Yaesu FT-857ND. The new Lithium Ion Nano-phosphate
batteries, the A-123’s are the way to go for power. A two pound A-123 gives me two
hours of SSB operating with 100 watts and the ‘857d. (A-123’s and chargers are under
accessories at Buddipole.com.)

Instructions are on this website for two homebrew HF antennas that are easy to build
and very effective…………the Buddipole and the Buddistick, a vertical antenna that uses
PVC with a variety of whip options.

The mast is important. I have several, but in order to get the feedpoint up high, I use
either a Buddipole commercial mast ( Buddipole.com ) or a painter’s pole with a Center
Tee Adapter. That adapter changes the odd Acme thread to a half inch pipe thread.
That’s the thread used on the homebrew and commercial antennas I will describe.
My son, Chris W6HFP, suggested we go commercial with the Buddipole, and we did that
back in July 2002. You can see the commercial products at Buddipole.com. Chris now
runs the company, and I do the technical support and help the homebrewers with any
questions.

So somehow I have the original Buddipole back to 2003 to the latest BuddiHex and bits and bobs in between (TRSB is a must) along with several masts and a Mastwerks. Do I have 5 zip cases of various Buddipole antennas and tripods? Yes Sir! Total Fan Boy maniac OCD

Heard them…worked them…logged them…

I have made several thousand contacts from 80 to 2m and have always been happy with the excellenet workmanship and proof of concepts actually prototyped for some time before release to market.

I am at the Booth on Friday 9am at Hamvention

pdf available upon request I am Good in QRZ.com

AllStarLink version 3 beta The next generation of AllStarLink repeater and hotspot software. AllStarLink GoodWatch A Ham Radio smartwatch. KK4VCZ My first, easiest (and last?) SOTA If you spotted a couple of weirdos on a hilltop with a big antenna yesterday, this is what was going on. Ian Renton Reducing QRM from a portable solar […]

THE W3FF HOMEBREW BUDDIPOLE
A PORTABLE ANTENNA DESIGN FOR AMATEUR RADIO
History of the Buddipole

In January of 2000, Budd W3FF began experimenting with a “walking portable” ham station. Since
then, thousands of stations have been worked on the amateur radio bands, mostly from
10 Meters through 60 Meters.

The radio of choice here is a Yaesu FT-857ND. The new Lithium Ion Nano-phosphate
batteries, the A-123’s are the way to go for power. A two pound A-123 gives me two
hours of SSB operating with 100 watts and the ‘857d. (A-123’s and chargers are under
accessories at Buddipole.com.)

Instructions are on this website for two homebrew HF antennas that are easy to build
and very effective…………the Buddipole and the Buddistick, a vertical antenna that uses
PVC with a variety of whip options.

The mast is important. I have several, but in order to get the feedpoint up high, I use
either a Buddipole commercial mast ( Buddipole.com ) or a painter’s pole with a Center
Tee Adapter. That adapter changes the odd Acme thread to a half inch pipe thread.
That’s the thread used on the homebrew and commercial antennas I will describe.
My son, Chris W6HFP, suggested we go commercial with the Buddipole, and we did that
back in July 2002. You can see the commercial products at Buddipole.com. Chris now
runs the company, and I do the technical support and help the homebrewers with any
questions.

So somehow I have the original Buddipole back to 2003 to the latest BuddiHex and bits and bobs in between (TRSB is a must) along with several masts and a Mastwerks. Do I have 5 zip cases of various Buddipole antennas and tripods? Yes Sir! Total Fan Boy maniac OCD

Heard them…worked them…logged them…

I have made several thousand contacts from 80 to 2m and have always been happy with the excellenet workmanship and proof of concepts actually prototyped for some time before release to market.

I am at the Booth on Friday 9am at Hamvention

pdf available upon request I am Good in QRZ.com

At Fish n Chips Cheap Ham Lunch Club (we share an order across 3 hams) and order a single X large coffee to share to keep it cheap they confessed:

>We are operating on FT8 right now while we break bread (flashing the biggest grin ever!)

How so?

>The auto robot mode on FT8

So this is an unattended station operating without AI but use of software controls? Don’t you need to be Advanced for that? I think you may be in violation.

>Yeah, its awesome. It just fills my log with contacts even when I am watching TV with my partner

Partner? Sorry what is that Partner. I hear that all the time ? that’s not morse code…… Aren’t you married?

>So I find this mode fascinating and has really got me back into the hobby again. I spend a lot of time listening to nets so this is interesting to me.

Yeah, its gotten very interesting as I see many Freebanders are also using FT8. There was some guy in Belgium sending SSTV on 27.580 and I caught the bottom third of the transmission so couldn’t get his Freeband callsign or number. Do you listen to the OMISS net on 7185? (How do I know?)

>Yes I do every night and I enjoy that. I heard a guy from PEI and everyone wanted to work him.

Do you check in to that net as they are always looking for VE3s? It could be fun

>Oh NO I would never check in to the net

Your killing me here as you just said you never Chicken into the net.

>Hold on let me ask the counter staff for some more Tartar sauce

So guys I was floored the other day when Ten opened up and there was all kinds of EU signals coming in and I made a bunch of contacts with a vertical with 10 watts. Just like the old days in CB when we had 12 watts and a Hustler antenna in the car. Cycle 25 is hear

>What frequency is that I would love to listen

Try 28.400 and then looking at the waterfall you can move the mouse to the drip and click. If you have a Drake TR4cw then move the dial left or right until you hear a signal.

I learned 2 things today:

1. A partner is a person with whom someone is in a romantic or sexual relationship. The term is often used to refer to individuals who are not married, but who are in a committed relationship. Partners may live together, share financial responsibilities, and support each other emotionally. In some cases, partners may also have legal agreements that define their relationship, such as cohabitation agreements or domestic partnership agreements. The term “partner” is often used in LGBTQ+ communities as a gender-neutral alternative to “husband” or “wife.”. However, many married to the opposite sex are staying to use this term as well due to Identity and Gender ideology shaping everything. The extreme left will tell you this is the way we should explain our marriages to avoid being considered anti-DEI. OK I use partner in a business sense but there is nothing wrong with using wife or husband even if it considered bad politics or incorrect. Who cares about sexuality since its 2024. This is Gender Neutral Language.

2. Some Hams are enjoying the Hobby their own way and they are Happy listening and being a robot .

FT8 has become increasingly popular in amateur radio in recent years, and for a good reason.

This digital mode removes conversation and allows for fast contacts over long distances, even in low power mode and under challenging band conditions.

73s

John

And so it goes in this hobby that has a thousand hobbies even if you sin you will be forgiven by Marconi and Hiram (maybe even Tesla – the ham not the car)

A new study suggests that having one conversation with a friend (Ham) per day can have a significant effect on a person’s mental health. The study published in Communication Research.

However, for some making FT8 contacts in robot mode can be very uplifting. Whatever floats your boat but please wear a life jacket as the water is getting frothy and deep.

A great add on to the MPAS kit or just as a stand alone.

I do find the counterpoise wires o be too thin and prone to breakage and want Chameleon to go back to the #16 Kevlar wire they are known for

Also the short length of the whip on20m is a bit finicky due to the ground I had but a grassy ground is usually pretty good but the radiation resistance was kind of low.

The kit adds items I dont have in my MPAS kit making for a well rounded deployment kit similar to this:

CHA MULTI CONFIGURATION COIL

The core component of the CHA PRV antenna, known as the CHA MCC (Multi Configuration Coil), serves as its foundation. The CHA PRV antenna is skillfully engineered and built to withstand rugged conditions, making it particularly suited for demanding portable applications such as Parks On the Air (POTA), Summits On the Air (SOTA), and other outdoor radio pursuits that necessitate an antenna that’s both efficient and easily transportable. This antenna is also an excellent choice for radio enthusiasts who reside in environments like RVs, apartments, or condos, where space is limited to a small balcony or patio.

Chameleon Antenna has designed the CHA PRV to perfectly complement the latest generation of compact multi-band/multi-mode QRP transceivers, including models like the Icom IC-705, Xiegu G90 or X6100, LAB 599 TX500, and the Yaesu FT-817/818.

SPECS

Power Handling: 500W SSB 300W CW 200W DATA

Materials: Anodize Aluminum OD Green, White Delrin, Stainless Steel and Silver Plated Copper wire

Bands Coverage: 2M to 40M with the SS58

DIMENSIONS 

Diameter = 1 1/4″

Length Collapsed = 12 1/2″

Length Extended = 19 1/2″

Weight = 0.94 lb.

CHA MCC

1 X CHA MULTICONFIGURATION COIL

CHA PRV SOTA (LIGHT KIT)

1 X CHA MCC (Coil)

1 X CHA SS58

1 X CHA SPIKE MOUNT 

1 X CHA PUCK HUB

4 X CHA TENT STAKES

4 X CHA B-RADIAL (12’6″)

4 X CHA WINDERS 

1 X CHA WW RADIAL (34′) 

1 X CHA TRIPOD ADAPTOR 

1 X CHA 12′ COAX w/ integrated RFI Choke

CHA PRV POTA (HEAVY KIT)

1 X CHA MCC (Coil)

1 X CHA SS58

1 X CHA SPIKE MOUNT 

1 X CHA PUCK HUB

4 X CHA TENT STAKES

4 X CHA B-RADIAL (12’6″)

4 X CHA WINDERS 

1 X CHA WW RADIAL (34′) 

1 X CHA TRIPOD ADAPTOR 

1 X CHA EXTENDER12

1 X CHA UCM

1 X CHA 12′ COAX w/ integrated RFI Choke

USER GUIDE

FT8 4 contacts an hour watching waterfalls like in the matrix

SSB 45 contacts an hour including weather report and working conditions

Do you really want to bring your laptop and Signal link to the park to make 4 contacts?

I dont

John Ve3ips

I am looking for a FT8 appliance similar to the PreppComm DMX radios. I can turn it on in robot mode and let it rip on 20m while I work 40m SSB

I am working on my CW set up for POTA hang in there folks the AI module is getting trained

I have been using my PackTenna Linked Dipole for 20m and 40m with great effect – No RFI back to my radio

I have been using my Chameleon, JNCRadio, REZ Antenna and the Gabil vest pocket antenna which are all verticals – No RFI back to my radio

I forgot to bring my chokes and 1:1 ununs to a activation and was so upset to the RFI bleeding into my transmit audio with these long wires with baluns

I put these longwires into a box for donation to the Salvation Army – NO RFO back to the shack

I dont know why the past few years these antennas have exploded onto the market place with 3D prints, Homebrew, etc for an antenna that isnt a DX antenna

When I go to the park I want to work DX and the most far states and provinces I can as life is to short for NVIS contacts into Michigan, Papa Alpha and O-High-O

Ask EA1BUL worked on 20m from the park with and without QRP power many times and also when I was in Spain but then I work Larry VE3LBI and Toby AD2CD on 40m within my NVIS range all the time. I love these two hunters but sometimes I want a date with DX.

Want to work DX? Go with a vertical

John Ve3IPS

The DX Engineering box on the PO Box arrived and the antenna is a beauty

REZ Antenna Systems Recon 40 High Performance HF Antenna Coils are high-performance HF antenna coils capable of tuning 40-10 meters when paired with the REZ-Z17 17-foot telescoping whip (not included). I have the MFJ and Chameleon version.

Made with 14GA enameled copper wire, the Recon 40 is rated for use at up to 500W SSB, 300W CW, and 200W digital (50% duty cycle). The coil body is made from Delrin and 6061 anodized aluminum all CNC machined in the USA. The coil body is 100% weather resistant, thanks to its unique design which incorporates the use of O-rings and gasket seals at each joint. The coil’s machined wire groove provides mechanical support and optimal spacing to ensure a low loss coil. Switching bands is made easy with the integrated weatherproof coil bypass switch.

When you’re ready to move to the higher bands simply flip the switch and tune the telescoping whip to your desired frequency. The Recon 40 also features a rapid-deploy radial system. At the heart of this system is the radial “puck” that accepts up to eight 4mm banana plugs.

This enables quick attachment of REZ Antenna Systems’ 4-wire radial kit (not included) and leaves room to expand your radial field for increased performance. I used the radials from my Ranger 80 antenna.

I did a 3fer park activation running 50 watts off my FT-891 and a bunch of DCPower LiePO4 batteries I picked up at Liquidation Show for cheap.

There was the usual a solar storm and you could hear the band huffing and puffing in the background but we managed to also snag a couple of 2m contacts.

No adjustments were made….SWR was under 2:1 in both cases. Work 40m and then hunt the 13 Colonies on 20m…flick the switch.

The long radials make a big difference.

The QSO map shows that I was able to get a nice signal out on SSB.

This is a nice addition to the Ranger 80 antenna, although they do the same thing. If you swap out the 9 foot antenna for the 17 foot antenna on the Ranger 80, its the same story but a lot heavier. If you just wanted a quick 2 bander then the Recon 40 is a good choice (the whip can be adjusted for 20-10m and 6m as well.

The Recon 40 as its own standalone antenna is more rugged than the JNCRadio MC-750 and a lot heavier. The advantage is that the JNCRadio adds a 40m coil and uses shorter 10 foot radials but still offers a quarter wave on 20m and an 1/8 wave on 40m and a lot cheaper. Also the engraved markings on the MC-750 makes set up a breeze and its carry case is top notch. The MC-750 antenna also uses metric threading so interoperability with my antenna mounts and Buddipole stuff is impossible. I have made over a thousand contacts and very happy with it.

BUT the Recon can handle a lot more power and the whip antenna is more rugged. Its also a longer whip to try to pack. I have made about 100 contacts from the park during the RAC Contest, 13 Colonies QRMathon and POTA 3fer.

I own both and I choose the antenna I need to get the job done.

Please avoid the MFJ 17 foot whip as it likes to fall apart while using it. I am on my third so I am super careful with it but I was that way with the first two.

Happy Antennas

73s IPS

Buymeacoffee

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/ve3ips

ve3ips.wordpress.com

ve3ips@gmail.com

Instagram @ve3ips_portable_operator

YouTube @VE3IPS

Ham Radio is a life$$$tyle not a Hobby!

Take the radio outside and operate from the Field

Throw a wire in a tree and make a QSO

Tinfoil has many uses beyond the BBQ

       REMEMBER WHAT RUDY ALWAYS SAYS:

1. Buy Cheap Buy Twice – That online special that is a non-branded product may have misinformation in its marketing approach lost in translation
2. Buy Once Cry Once – Buy the Best with a Warranty that has Teeth
3. One is None and 2 is One – Think back up or a Modular approach

Its small, its light and it works pretty darn good!

Look here the SWR is 1.2 to 1 perfect for some 20m QRP activity

Get outside and go make some contacts!

John VE3IPS

A great add on to the MPAS kit or just as a stand alone.

I do find the counterpoise wires o be too thin and prone to breakage and want Chameleon to go back to the #16 Kevlar wire they are known for

Also the short length of the whip on20m is a bit finicky due to the ground I had but a grassy ground is usually pretty good but the radiation resistance was kind of low.

The kit adds items I dont have in my MPAS kit making for a well rounded deployment kit similar to this:

CHA MULTI CONFIGURATION COIL

The core component of the CHA PRV antenna, known as the CHA MCC (Multi Configuration Coil), serves as its foundation. The CHA PRV antenna is skillfully engineered and built to withstand rugged conditions, making it particularly suited for demanding portable applications such as Parks On the Air (POTA), Summits On the Air (SOTA), and other outdoor radio pursuits that necessitate an antenna that’s both efficient and easily transportable. This antenna is also an excellent choice for radio enthusiasts who reside in environments like RVs, apartments, or condos, where space is limited to a small balcony or patio.

Chameleon Antenna has designed the CHA PRV to perfectly complement the latest generation of compact multi-band/multi-mode QRP transceivers, including models like the Icom IC-705, Xiegu G90 or X6100, LAB 599 TX500, and the Yaesu FT-817/818.

SPECS

Power Handling: 500W SSB 300W CW 200W DATA

Materials: Anodize Aluminum OD Green, White Delrin, Stainless Steel and Silver Plated Copper wire

Bands Coverage: 2M to 40M with the SS58

DIMENSIONS 

Diameter = 1 1/4″

Length Collapsed = 12 1/2″

Length Extended = 19 1/2″

Weight = 0.94 lb.

CHA MCC

1 X CHA MULTICONFIGURATION COIL

CHA PRV SOTA (LIGHT KIT)

1 X CHA MCC (Coil)

1 X CHA SS58

1 X CHA SPIKE MOUNT 

1 X CHA PUCK HUB

4 X CHA TENT STAKES

4 X CHA B-RADIAL (12’6″)

4 X CHA WINDERS 

1 X CHA WW RADIAL (34′) 

1 X CHA TRIPOD ADAPTOR 

1 X CHA 12′ COAX w/ integrated RFI Choke

CHA PRV POTA (HEAVY KIT)

1 X CHA MCC (Coil)

1 X CHA SS58

1 X CHA SPIKE MOUNT 

1 X CHA PUCK HUB

4 X CHA TENT STAKES

4 X CHA B-RADIAL (12’6″)

4 X CHA WINDERS 

1 X CHA WW RADIAL (34′) 

1 X CHA TRIPOD ADAPTOR 

1 X CHA EXTENDER12

1 X CHA UCM

1 X CHA 12′ COAX w/ integrated RFI Choke

USER GUIDE

FT8 4 contacts an hour watching waterfalls like in the matrix

SSB 45 contacts an hour including weather report and working conditions

Do you really want to bring your laptop and Signal link to the park to make 4 contacts?

I dont

John Ve3ips

I am looking for a FT8 appliance similar to the PreppComm DMX radios. I can turn it on in robot mode and let it rip on 20m while I work 40m SSB

I am working on my CW set up for POTA hang in there folks the AI module is getting trained

I have been using my PackTenna Linked Dipole for 20m and 40m with great effect – No RFI back to my radio

I have been using my Chameleon, JNCRadio, REZ Antenna and the Gabil vest pocket antenna which are all verticals – No RFI back to my radio

I forgot to bring my chokes and 1:1 ununs to a activation and was so upset to the RFI bleeding into my transmit audio with these long wires with baluns

I put these longwires into a box for donation to the Salvation Army – NO RFO back to the shack

I dont know why the past few years these antennas have exploded onto the market place with 3D prints, Homebrew, etc for an antenna that isnt a DX antenna

When I go to the park I want to work DX and the most far states and provinces I can as life is to short for NVIS contacts into Michigan, Papa Alpha and O-High-O

Ask EA1BUL worked on 20m from the park with and without QRP power many times and also when I was in Spain but then I work Larry VE3LBI and Toby AD2CD on 40m within my NVIS range all the time. I love these two hunters but sometimes I want a date with DX.

Want to work DX? Go with a vertical

John Ve3IPS

The DX Engineering box on the PO Box arrived and the antenna is a beauty

REZ Antenna Systems Recon 40 High Performance HF Antenna Coils are high-performance HF antenna coils capable of tuning 40-10 meters when paired with the REZ-Z17 17-foot telescoping whip (not included). I have the MFJ and Chameleon version.

Made with 14GA enameled copper wire, the Recon 40 is rated for use at up to 500W SSB, 300W CW, and 200W digital (50% duty cycle). The coil body is made from Delrin and 6061 anodized aluminum all CNC machined in the USA. The coil body is 100% weather resistant, thanks to its unique design which incorporates the use of O-rings and gasket seals at each joint. The coil’s machined wire groove provides mechanical support and optimal spacing to ensure a low loss coil. Switching bands is made easy with the integrated weatherproof coil bypass switch.

When you’re ready to move to the higher bands simply flip the switch and tune the telescoping whip to your desired frequency. The Recon 40 also features a rapid-deploy radial system. At the heart of this system is the radial “puck” that accepts up to eight 4mm banana plugs.

This enables quick attachment of REZ Antenna Systems’ 4-wire radial kit (not included) and leaves room to expand your radial field for increased performance. I used the radials from my Ranger 80 antenna.

I did a 3fer park activation running 50 watts off my FT-891 and a bunch of DCPower LiePO4 batteries I picked up at Liquidation Show for cheap.

There was the usual a solar storm and you could hear the band huffing and puffing in the background but we managed to also snag a couple of 2m contacts.

No adjustments were made….SWR was under 2:1 in both cases. Work 40m and then hunt the 13 Colonies on 20m…flick the switch.

The long radials make a big difference.

The QSO map shows that I was able to get a nice signal out on SSB.

This is a nice addition to the Ranger 80 antenna, although they do the same thing. If you swap out the 9 foot antenna for the 17 foot antenna on the Ranger 80, its the same story but a lot heavier. If you just wanted a quick 2 bander then the Recon 40 is a good choice (the whip can be adjusted for 20-10m and 6m as well.

The Recon 40 as its own standalone antenna is more rugged than the JNCRadio MC-750 and a lot heavier. The advantage is that the JNCRadio adds a 40m coil and uses shorter 10 foot radials but still offers a quarter wave on 20m and an 1/8 wave on 40m and a lot cheaper. Also the engraved markings on the MC-750 makes set up a breeze and its carry case is top notch. The MC-750 antenna also uses metric threading so interoperability with my antenna mounts and Buddipole stuff is impossible. I have made over a thousand contacts and very happy with it.

BUT the Recon can handle a lot more power and the whip antenna is more rugged. Its also a longer whip to try to pack. I have made about 100 contacts from the park during the RAC Contest, 13 Colonies QRMathon and POTA 3fer.

I own both and I choose the antenna I need to get the job done.

Please avoid the MFJ 17 foot whip as it likes to fall apart while using it. I am on my third so I am super careful with it but I was that way with the first two.

Happy Antennas

73s IPS

Buymeacoffee

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/ve3ips

ve3ips.wordpress.com

ve3ips@gmail.com

Instagram @ve3ips_portable_operator

YouTube @VE3IPS

Ham Radio is a life$$$tyle not a Hobby!

Take the radio outside and operate from the Field

Throw a wire in a tree and make a QSO

Tinfoil has many uses beyond the BBQ

       REMEMBER WHAT RUDY ALWAYS SAYS:

1. Buy Cheap Buy Twice – That online special that is a non-branded product may have misinformation in its marketing approach lost in translation
2. Buy Once Cry Once – Buy the Best with a Warranty that has Teeth
3. One is None and 2 is One – Think back up or a Modular approach

Its small, its light and it works pretty darn good!

Look here the SWR is 1.2 to 1 perfect for some 20m QRP activity

Get outside and go make some contacts!

John VE3IPS

We present you with a dilemma! Whether to watch Euro 2024, the headliner act at Glastonbury, study the manifestos of the UK political parties, or . . . to sit back and watch the latest episode from TX Factor. The choice is yours. However, this latest show will keep, so there’s no need to rush. […]

JULY 2024
DATE	NCS
1	KI5VGO
2	K5DDT
3	K5DDT
4	AE5MI
5	K5TCO
6	KI5OSZ
7	KJ5AHO
8	WB5BNV
9	KI5VGO
10	K5TCO
11	K5DDT
12	K5DDT
13	KJ5AHO
14	K5BAK
15	KAE5MI
16	K5TCO
17	KI5VGO
18	WB5BNV
19	K5DDT
20	KI5OSZ
21	KI5VGO
22	K5DDT
23	WB5BNV
24	AE5MI
25	AE5MI
26	K5TCO
27	KJ5AHO
28	K5BAK
29	KI5VGO
30	AE5MI
31	K5DDT

Turning back time to virtually witness a critical historic method of shortwave communication using the fundamental mode of continuous wave modulation. This is a film from 1944, teaching the basics of Morse code, for military comms. What is the proper (and most efficient) technique for creating Morse code by hand, using a manual Morse code […]

Experimenting during Field Day 2024 Running solo for Field Day in the backcountry of Kananaskis Country. VE6LK Amateur Radio for aspiring professionals So much of what I do in other classes is coding on a computer, which made the hands-on aspect of this class very appealing. Carnegie Mellon University College of Engineering Here’s how Starlink […]

This is a video of the German Weather Broadcast from DWD, Hamburg, on shortwave (HF), using teletype (RTTY). I demonstrate two decoding software options: JWcomm32 (older), and, FLdigi. Note the in FLdigi, the “Reverse” feather is selected to properly decode the signal (in either USB or LSB, you still need to select, “Reverse”). The radio […]