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write your own review of the Buddistick Portable Vertical.
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K5UNY
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Rating: 4/5
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Sep 2, 2009 12:03
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I sold mine!!!Really hated to!
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I have had a Buddistick since around April of 2008. After swearing at it a bunch of times and lovingly caressing it a bunch of times the swearing at it took over and it got sold. I would tune the 'stick up in my backyard, yes away from trees and the house, get the Swr down to 1.1:1 on 40-30-20 and move that same swr up or down the band with an adjustment to the radial wire. GREAT!!! The next weekend It would get assembled out at the barn or at the park or in my backyard and the swr would be thru the roof. Cleaned all joints with a wire brush, sprayed with DeOxit reassemble and still a high swr. The good swr was not repeatable which is not a good thing when you pack up and op portable.
After many episodes of this process I gave up, this 'stick isn't worth the frustration it caused me. Budd tried to be helpful with suggestions etc but nothing seemed to work. My HB pvc based Buddistick works just fine,as do my EFHW wires. At least now my Blood Pressure stays normal. Just my experience and not saying the product doesn't work for some or is not a good buy. For me it was a boondoggle.
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WD0BCX
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Rating: 5/5
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Aug 30, 2009 12:37
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I think I'll keep it...
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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Well I purchased a BUDDSTICK portable antenna used for $100.
In the front yard on a camera tripod I used the MFJ analyzer to set it up.
Set it for 14.020 and 7.020 and SWR showed good.
Next thing was to try a radio so I used my NIB Yaesu FT 857ND at 50W hooked to the battery on my pickup.
Seemed to work but no conditions to really test the setup that particular day.
This weekend I used the setup in rural area with nothing around to disturb the signal or impede the receiver. The nearest power line was a mile away.
No real band openings but made 9 contacts in the contest and received one 599 from Florida in a REAL rag-chew. Seemed to work fine.
I did use and LDG to go up-band to about 50 or so but all seemed to work fine.
Bottom line is that the BUDDSTICK is well MADE and goes together quickly. Easy to handle up and down and packs wonderfully in the nylon case.
I think I'll keep it and recommend it for camping / portable use.
The whole setup, tripod, antenna, radio and cables set up from packed away in storage pelican cases to up and transmitting in about 15 minutes.
THIS IS GONNA BE FUN!
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W3VR
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Rating: 5/5
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Jun 8, 2009 12:50
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Very simple and functional.
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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Light, portable, inexpensive, and works well for what it is. Can be tuned without an analyzer.
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WF8O
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Rating: 5/5
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May 7, 2009 05:02
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Excellent choice for a Portable Antenna
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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Yesterday, less than 48 hours after my order, I received my Buddistick Antenna. After about 15 minutes I had it installed on the railing of my deck. Following the simple directions included, the antenna tuned up on 20M PSK portion of the band with 1:1 match - no tuner needed! The deluxe package is worth the extra money. I also had contacts on 40M and 30M PSK likewise without any hassle! This antenna will not beat a tuned dipole at 40 feet, but it is just the ticket for a portable setup IMHO.
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KV4AN
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Rating: 5/5
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Apr 18, 2009 04:40
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PERFECT FOR PORTABLE OPS
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Time owned: 6 to 12 months
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The antenna package is perfect for portable ops. What sold me was the thought that went into the package, which consists of a nice zippered nylon carrying case, two whips (one is a spare), coil, mount, vice clamp, coil clips, and counterpoise. I added a $8 mini-tripod and a $1 sewing tape measure and felt I had everything necessary to take it portable.
As one other reviewer said, it is very "fussy" and both the antenna and counterpoise needs to be elevated to get a good SWR. A mini-tuner would be perfect.
My first QSO was on 20 meters with a DX station in Portugal.
The explanation of how to setup and tune the antenna was not detailed enough. Needs diagrams and they should have included a card with typical tap points and more explanation of the counterpoise, how critical the length is, and how it shouldn't be close to the ground.
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K6KEB
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Rating: 5/5
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Apr 17, 2009 16:37
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Great product
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I set up this antenna on my deck railing, rolled out 31 feet of radial wire, turned on my radio, tuned into the Reno, NV noon net and had S-7 to S-9 reception. It was great.
I live in a canyon in the Santa Cruz, CA. mountains so was very surprised to reach anybody, much less Reno.
I now have a complete portable HF system in a double briefcase. A Kenwood TS-50, power supply, antenna tuner and a buddistick antenna. All I need is power and I am on the air in minutes.
Thanks for the great product
Dallas
K6KEB
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KB2CWN
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Rating: 5/5
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Feb 11, 2009 06:37
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Excellent Alternative
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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If space or restrictions are a main concern, or you just like protable operation, this antenna is the one! I own this antenna now for a month. I needed a stealth setup due to restrictions. I read review after review of the Buddiestick and MP1 and decided to try it out. I havent had any problems with its operation or set up. Tuning is fairly easy. I have broken through pileups on 40 and I am never "not heard". Signal reports between 5X5 to 5X8. And the best part, when Im done I simply wrap it up and bring it inside. A great antenna for the price and size. It wont out do a dipole in a tree or a yagi on your tower, but it got my back on the air with a great signal. Worth the money hands down!
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AE5EH
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Rating: 5/5
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Sep 28, 2008 13:03
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REV 1-Fine product.
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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Out of all the little radio trinkets I've bought through the year, this is still one of my favorites, and to me, one of the best values going for a portable HF antenna.
Yes, as with the previous poster, you do not need the analyzer to tune this antenna.
Of course one could build their own version of this antenna and others like it that would more or less do the same thing. One could also go to the wilderness and hunt down/procure their meal for the day and prepare it. I care to do neither, but you might enjoy that, and if so, knock yourself out.
For those having trouble with this fine, inexpensive portable antenna, some rudimentary antenna, and transmission line theory is in order. Or, if you are the lonely/gregarious type maybe the yahoo "BUG", or "HF PACK" groups will get you more comfortable.
And if you happen to see Budd and his son at a show somewhere, stop by and say hello to them. They are fine people.
Terry-AE5EH
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KD8ENP
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Rating: 5/5
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Sep 3, 2008 22:13
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This Antenna Lives up to its Reputation
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Time owned: 3 to 6 months
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This thing is really easy to set up. You don't even need an analyzer or tuner. Having both of these things will save time, but you can get by without them. Like everything else in this hobby, it takes some practice and PATIENCE.
I also love how portable it is, the bag it goes into is tiny. My only other advice is, get the deluxe package, that way, you get everything you need to get started.
I got the one with the clamp, which is really nice on my balcony railing or at the end of a picnic table. The clamp should probably be bigger, since I have encountered a few picnic tables that are too thick, but we're hams, we improvise.
I give it a 5 because when you consider the price, performance, size, and ease of setup, this antenna really delivers. I don't think anyone else makes a comparable product. I should also mention that they were really friendly and helpful on the phone when I called with a question about my order.
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KB8AOB
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Rating: 5/5
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Apr 14, 2008 05:45
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Great vertical and very portable
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I use an old photo tripod to raise the feed point and elevate the counterpoise off the ground and it works wonders. Why did I wait so long to buy this gem!
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