How To Setup The Buddistick Pro and Tune it up! Available NOW!

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

The Buddistick Pro is live and available NOW! www.buddipole.com/buddistick.html

[@johnk23705]

I have found the buddistick to be one of the best compromised antennas you can use. Using one radial will give you a stronger lobe in the DIRECTION THAT THE RADIAL POINTS, but you will lose some contacts from the rear of the antenna. The signal on the back side of the antenna (from the direction the radial is pointing) will be 8db to 15db lower than the front side. Quite a difference. If looking to get more contacts from one direction, the single radial is the way to go. If you want to get good signals in all directions (because of having an even pattern), add a second elevated radial on the other side, 180 degrees. If you are looking for maximum DX distance, putting four radials in a cross pattern will lower your radiation angle. Example, on a 17 meter set up, four elevated radials will lower the take off angle from 25 degrees to 20 degrees. Adding more than four elevated radials will make little difference. The extra radials give very little extra gain, but they do affect the pattern and take off angle. Buying one or two (for horizontal dipole set up) 17' extendable antennas will allow you to have a full size antenna from 20 meters to 10 meters with no coil or heavy poles in line. It will also help to make tuning easier on 40 meters and offer an advantage in signal strength. Buddipole also offers their "Triple Ratio Switch Balun". This allows you to get much closer to a 50 ohm match for your transceiver, allowing more power output. This can be quite a bit of extra power, especially on 40 meters. I use one all the time, it's a great addition and can be used with other antennas also. These types of antennas tend to go much lower in ohms the lower you get in frequency and the switch can make a big difference. It also has a 1 to 1 balun built in for feedline isolation. It's a worthwhile addition to the buddipole kit. Hope this helps. I got this info from the book "Buddipole in the Field" by B. Scott Anderson. Excellent book if you want to understand and get the best from your Buddipole/Buddistick antenna.

[@SatansPooper]

yours is one of three channels I recommend whenever I see a "I am new to hobby, where do I learn?" post on FB Groups I do this because you make quality content.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Thank you!

[@mikel5077]

Really Cool that my first Ft8 contact with you made the video!

[@DewayneW4FDT]

Nice video. * Tip * for when you put the "tap" in, if you put it in with the "point" towards the WHIP end, if it becomes loose or moves at all, it will only short turns that were shorted to begin with when you applied it. If its pointed "Down" and comes loose, it will allow less of the coil to be shorted and can throw off your SWR.

[@Starlite4321]

Excellent clear and thorough explanation Josh. You're really good at this - nice job !

[@norrinradd8952]

Paused it halfway through the video and ordered. Looks great for portable. Thumbs up. I had headphones on at 13:45 I thought my dog wanted outside. lol

[@PupitoManuel]

Dear KZbin: please put this video on the recommendation list ahead of every other Ham Radio channel. The information disseminated in this channel is critical for the proper operation of worldwide communications between radio operators. Thank you! Sincerely, a Ham Radio Operator seriously looking to acquire an antenna to communicate with others! 73 from KD5ERP in El Paso, TX

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Wow Pablo! Thank you!

[@RomansFiveDotEight]

Just got mine today. Using it at home actually, as an HOA friendly antenna. I don't have an antenna analyzer, so I'm at the mercy of my transceivers built in one (and running back and forth outside to adjust). But I managed to listen to Kawait, Jamaica, Long Island, Pennsylvania, Florida, and Uzbekistan. So uh... seems to work ok.

[@toddschutter6535]

Great video. One point to stress though is how much easier it is to tune this antenna by using an analyzer. I own several and by far, the most accurate and easy to use are the units from Rig Expert. The nano is OK, but you need really good eyes, especially outdoors. Once you tune this antenna several times in different surroundings and environments, you'll find you can start doing it from memory.

[@donh5794]

The optional Vertical Antenna Clamp would also be nice to have for quick mounting to a picnic bench, apartment railing or other available flat surface.

[@mikeswaw5688]

I've been enjoying my Buddistick Deluxe for a couple of years now on POTA. I'm anxious to try out that new folding tripod of theirs. The old camera tripod I've been using is a little wobbly during windy conditions. The built-in analyzer on my G90 helps tune it quickly in the field. Now to just get a better battery and solar charger. :-) Keep up the great videos!

[@HammockRadio]

BuddiPole makes great stuff, nice walk-through!

[@schnitznschnatzn]

My first antenna was a Buddipole with the military whips and I made many contacts with it, even across the pond. The thing I never liked were the quite fragile coils with the somewhat awkward taps , which broke the first time the antenna tipped over. They appear to be still the same for the Buddistick Pro. Looking at the flimsy tripod with the wiggly vertical on top, in this video, makes me feel a little nervous ;)

[@MountainMan7.62x39]

After watching this I went ahead and bought one.

[@thecarys563]

Nicely produced. Long shot for context, studio / shack shot for detail. Good pacing, moves right along. Good overview of the antenna while doing the setup tutorial.

[@schauman1]

Thanks Josh , you have such great explanations and videos!

[@Lastaii]

I like the semi-permanent tap off points, much better idea than the sliding coil on the super antenna I have. Looks like the Buddystick could do with a few hours setup/configuration at home to get those tap offs dialed in, then you could have it up and running within a few minutes when you go mobile.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Exactly!

[@w4mkh]

Great video. I need to sell some stuff to get the funds but I'm definitely going to get this to replace my WRC.

[@HamRadio2]

This is a great antenna

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

💯 agreed

[@janiceemery2008]

Thank you Josh for that video. Once I get my license that looks to be a very simple setup for an antenna. Thank You

[@walteredwards544]

I'm definitely going to add this antenna to my kit. Thanks for this video. This fits right into my concept of operations.

[@d3javu1978]

ha that last contact was down the street from here. thanks for the video. Im looking to get this for my icom 705

[@W9HJBill]

Thanks for addressing the one question that other videos didn't ... just how tall the coil is once it's mounted and how shorter people may have a hard time, especially on initial setup/tuning. I'm guessing the tap is about the 6 to 6.5 foot mark above ground and the whip goes another 3 feet above that when it's fully extended.

[@mattquince6508]

You just set the taps up at home. Then use the plug to switch bands on the field

[@litzdog911]

Excellent overview! Just ordered mine.

[@W9HJBill]

Josh, If/when you do a follow up video to this, could you do the community a huge favor and show the 6, 10, 12, 15, 17, 20, 30, and 40 meter sweeps? 20M looks awesome as far as being able to use the entire band at 2:1 or lower. I'd really be interested in how it looks as far as bandwidth on all the other bands. Thanks!

[@mattquince6508]

40 is the only band that has a high Q, you have to pick the part of the band you want on 40. The other bands till have Q but you 2:1 and ever 1.5:1 SWR range is much larger and gets flatter the higher you go.

[@poitevienphilip]

hello friend how are you? I think that when you placed the ground cable at minute 8:28 on a metal chair, I think that I altered the measurements of the roe and the virtues of the antenna.73

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

It was insulated. But sure some affect. It still got out.

[@KC2BKM]

Love your Shack Bro. Love what you do. Thanks for doing it!

[@KevinW8BRY]

Thanks Josh for the video. I have the original buddistick. This video may help my use of it. I don’t really use it that much because I find it difficult to mess with all the time as I move around bands. Looks like buddipole antennas have made lots of improvements. Kevin

[@KC1PSK]

I just ordered one. Can’t wait.

[@colbyseegmiller4869]

Thanks for the setup video. This is going to help us get started.

[@WJ6FRadio]

Outstanding video! Looking forward to when the BuddiStick Pro Deluxe I ordered arrives.

[@thehunter3386]

Wow, looks like a scaled down version of the TEXAS BUGCATCHER. I wonder how this would work in a mobile application...without the counter poise. A handy antenna for a RVer! Thanks for you vids! 73.

[@expert244]

I like the short DOF, really makes you "pop"

[@KS0JD]

To elevate the radial use one of these, Fi-Shock A-48B Step-In Fence Post, 4-Feet from amazon. $1.99 Also available at most Farm Supply locations

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Yeah, that is a pretty good idea there.

[@frankwc0o]

Thanks for the tip. I can use this for my EFHW antenna.

[@joeb3300]

I have had great luck with a 'permanently mounted' 130' end-fed half-wave wire antenna at home, but would like to try POTA park activating. The wire antenna seems way too cumbersome for park use. This vertical might be a good, portable HF antenna for 40M/20M/15M phone & FT8. Thanks for the video.

[@Martian2319]

What is the software you were using for FT8?

[@richardiancarpenter534]

Thanks for the video, Josh! I’ve been going back and forth about which of the vertical antennas to add to my bag. Currently only have the QRP Guys 40/30/20 vertical, but looking for something with more band coverage.

[@raymondlewis2055]

An above ground wire is called a counterpoise and its length is based on your frequency being used.

[@frankwc0o]

Could you tell me why it has to be risen? Why can't it be on the ground? I thought the same thing, I thought it was a counterpoise.

[@raymondlewis2055]

@@frankwc0o A counterpoise is above the ground and tuned to the frequency you are using by adjusting the length. If you put it on the ground, it will become de-tuned. The counterpoise will be RF "hot" so you should protect animals and people from it.

[@AccelHeight]

Is it me, or does Josh look like a Russian submariner today? "One ping Vasily. And bring me my Wodka!"

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Lol. Every time I wear that shirt.

[@frankwc0o]

Why is the counterpoise wire have to be risen? Could you just add more counterpoises on the ground?

[@Proc3000]

My dad has been looking at this, this video should help him. I kinda like the buddipole deluxe big dipole system myself.......but your FT8 contacts are selling me the form factor.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

They are both going to work fine. The advantage of the pro is portability.

[@ChrisRomp]

Was the band just really good that day also? Those were some long contacts on FT8! I don't have much luck hitting EU from San Francisco at 100W.

[@Starlite4321]

Very helpful Josh, thanks ! Would you say the BSP could handle that 100W FT8 for an extended period of time without harm (say, over an afternoon) ?

[@alanbrockmeier6871]

Nice job of instruction Josh. Alan NM5SP 73

[@i335a]

Thanks Sir for the lesson!

[@sphexes]

Josh, I missed you at the Findlay Hamfest today! I was hoping to see your talk. We had to leave early.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

It was just an online talk.

[@AllanBProductions]

I heard you on the air when you made the SSB contact. I had just contacted him.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

NICE!!

[@nmthomps1]

What software do you use?

[@mikeh4524]

Nice Garden!

[@larryjanson4011]

i have this try-pod to mount the buddy stick on top of. is is 15 tall on it’s own at what angle should i set the counter poise at? at say 45%. less? yes says another poll for a lesser angle. but not worried as the stock legs can act as a holder for that job.

[@chrisrose01]

They do a horizontal dipole as well. Which would be a better option? I guess the the dipole would he sort of directional.

[@spencerhurley8359]

Does the counterpoise direction matter? I was under the impression that this is an omnidirectional antenna but you mentioned pointing the radial to the east.

[@jordan1234564]

Hey, have you used the buddipole deluxe long or short? If so what do you think? Do you have a video on it?

[@paulhastings3109]

Looking good, playing radio

[@davidhart4789]

Recieved mine 2 weeks ago. I don’t know if I got a bad one or what but have been unable to get it below 2.4 swr. The given tap points and radial are so far out of band it is awful. When I do get it in band, the lowest SWR I can get is 15. I’ve tried it at home, on our farm, at a friend’s house, and at the boat dock. Nowhere can I get it in band. So flustering. As far as I’m concerned it is a hunk of junk.

[@k4bth]

How does the Buddi(pole/stick) do in inclement weather? What is the advantage of having an adjustable coil vs a transformer like the Chameleon Mini? I think the main difference is the Chameleon uses a tuner where the adjustable coil doesn’t. I have the Chameleon MPAS v1, how would I benefit by adding a buddi(pole/stick)? I think the Buddihex would be a very cool antenna to have and I hope to get a PowerMini 2 one day.

[@AlGordon]

Thanks for the great video, Josh. I already have my order in with Buddipole. Did you go back outside and adjust anything prior to moving on to SSB operation after finishing up with FT8?

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Nope.

[@EvHighSpeed]

Have you tried using multiple radials yet

[@hernanbenavides4821]

Great video thanks! Q: when you go to the field do you need to adjust both the coil and the floating radio every time? or just the floating radio?

[@bobki5nua132]

Counterpoise on conductive bench...generally not a good idea it will throw off your tuning. I really like my buddipole and buddistick (older version). This pro version looks nice.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

It’s not touching the bench. I used a line.

[@salcampagna]

For those of you, like me, that already have a Buddipole package with coils, whip's, etc, you can just purchase the new Versahub only, or with the new shock corded legs.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Nice tip!

[@frankwc0o]

Whew, for a moment there I thought I would have to sell my mini Buddipole. Thanks for the advice.

[@snowdiddley4634]

Wow nice antenna, takes a lot of power for a loaded antenna. 73 Josh, and tell Lea to buy you some white socks, my wife already thinks we’re all nerds. Hi Hi 😂

[@ik04]

Do you cut your micro lawn with scissors? A mower seems like overkill. I can't get over how close the house is to the street. California thing, I guess...

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

We only use a ride-on mower, thank you very much!

[@Blake-W8LB]

Hey Josh, New general here, would you recommend this as a first antenna? I'm looking for something to use QRH as well as for POTA/field days etc. Or is there another one that would fit the bill better? I want to run QRP to 100w. Id like to run 80m-6m and I know this antenna is only good for 40-6m as is, I thought about using an EFHW for my 80m with this antenna. Also would the rig expert stick pro be a good antenna analyzer for my application? Thanks for all you do! 73 KQ4GVR

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Unless your 100% portable, no the Buddistick isn’t probably the first antenna I’d pick up.

[@davidsradioroom9678]

This antenna reminds me of the Wolf River Coils TIA 1000. It doesn't seem to be as sturdy, though. I wonder about the price and the bands it covers.

[@mattquince6508]

It's much smaller package the the WRC. The coil is a lot smaller. And it's center loaded. As far as stability, it's fine, I have been using one for two months now and it works great. The bands it covers are 2m-40m and with the tripod it's 249.99 for Buddipole.

[@davidsradioroom9678]

@@mattquince6508 Thanks for the info. We do have quite a variety of portable antennas now. Time for everyone to get outside and on the air!

[@mattquince6508]

@@davidsradioroom9678 Yeah, I agree. Make sure you get in on the giveaway on discord. Josh is giving a kit away.

[@stridermt2k]

Wow! Nice! Thanks Josh! 73 de N2NLQ

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Thanks!

[@tonyyy117]

what software were you using josh? do you have a video for it? and the set up?? Thanks

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Which software? What do you mean?

[@kd4kzz]

So is this just a buddistick on a tripod? Just sold my antenna analyzer too!

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Not really but kinda.

[@oneman1812]

Thumbz up

[@poitevienphilip]

Hello brother, what is the furthest contact you have made with this antenna? and with how much power in the radio and in what band?

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Recent portable ops I talked with Alaska on 5 watts using the Buddistick Pro from SoCal.

[@bobgerzoff5072]

I would love a summary: Lengthening\shortening the coil moves the resonant point up or down in frequency? Lengthening\shortening the radial moves the resonant point up or down in frequency?

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Yes. And the length of the vertical (total length) will follow the radial and vice versa. You have to adjust both.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

But I like coil antennas you se the vertical to be within the band first, then fine tune the swr with the radial.

[@amateursandairwaves]

Every time I have set this antenna up I was able to just put the tap on the coil they recommend in the manual and fine tune with the radial. The worst match I’ve ever seen is about 1.5, 1.2 or better is very possible most of the time

[@angrypickle]

This or the Wolf River Coils Mega TIA (the one with the bigger tripod)?

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Personally, as someone who uses the WRC. I like the Buddistick pro more. 😳

[@twern1]

Does the antenna not require a choke balun?

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

It shouldn’t, as it’s manually tuned for resonance, but you could add one at the feed point.

[@AliReza-zx8km]

Nice............

[@juggalotion4u690]

Hope Dave Canterbury sees this

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

I sent it to him. 👍

[@spacemanspiff85]

How's this compare to a wolf river coils antenna? They seem pretty much the same arrangement.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

It’s similar, but center loaded (WRC) has a center fed. The Buddistick uses an elevated radial which has a lot of advantages.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Quality is different too. Buddistick is easier to get on frequency from my POV.

[@robertewbank1440]

Can you use this on a gmrs Midland mxt115 radio 15watts

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Nope.

[@gmanshackshack6822]

100 Watts, FT8?

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Yep.

[@juanfgonzalez2039]

What kind of program are you using in the screen

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Which screen?

[@juanfgonzalez2039]

@@HamRadioCrashCourse in 13:19 on the left side Monitor

[@juanfgonzalez2039]

What software is that to see the country's

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

@@juanfgonzalez2039 That was Grid Tracker

[@503Nick]

Sweeeeeeeeet

[@Brighamdoc]

What do you think of 3 or 4 radials?

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

I actually have a video coming on that. It only helps.

[@BrekMartin]

For this product, “counterpoise” just means they didn’t want to spend money on more wire for a decent number radials, which would add considerable cost.

[@Brighamdoc]

It looks a little unstable Lots of torque on that tripod top mount thingy

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Attach a weight and spread out the legs.

[@bradskis81]

Sometimes looks can be deceiving. Structurally, the dimensions of the tripod are sound, and if the legs are made of quality materials which they appear to be, and are constructed well, that’s plenty of support for the job it’s doing.

[@richarde735]

that’s a whole lot of small parts… the tripod looks flimsy, especially how the legs attach to the center.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

What small parts? Also, the tripod is definately strong enough

[@andrewdemora3375]

looks quite flimsy and fiddly to tune. I think the Super Antenna is a better option

[@mattquince6508]

Have used super antennas, this is cheaper and far better. Plus you don't have the ground losses from having your radial on the ground.

[@amateursandairwaves]

I had a super antenna and sold it. Bought the Buddistick Pro after seeing it in action and could not be happier. It is lighter and will outperform the Super Antenna, not to mention cheaper

[@frankwc0o]

@@mattquince6508 How much of a difference would you think if I let the Buddipole's counterpoise be on the ground? Would that be a lot of loss?

[@frankwc0o]

I've a super antenna is it's disappointing. Especially the tripod. The antenna is not elevated that high and the set of counterpoise wire they provide is a bit cumbersome.

[@mattquince6508]

@@frankwc0o it significantly increases losses according to W6HFP. The more level the radial is the more efficient the antenna will be. If it's on the ground, you might get a good SWR, but a dummy load has a hood SWR too

[@ourrvtravels7183]

Way too much trouble. I’ll stick with the Wolf River Coil.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Owning both, the buddistick is easier to use and tune.

[@ourrvtravels7183]

@@HamRadioCrashCourse That’s fine. It’s funny how each person’s experience is different. I had both but got rid of the BS cause I thought it was flimsy and a pain to use.

[@patrickgillespie1582]

Too much work if you're out in the field.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Lol. Not at all.

[@bradskis81]

I would imagine after setting it up and down a couple times, you could have that thing unpacked and on the air in under 5 minutes easy. Keep in mind he was doing an explanation video and taking his time explaining the process and equipment as he went.

[@larryjanson4011]

where to buy American made winders? i would like to get a number of them. not just for my buddy stick. the manf of the buddy stick wants $6usd ea+ shipping. the chinese make one for less buy i do not like supporting a communist country and there's are made of a fragile plastic. aka: they break easily.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

I'd find a friend with a 3D printer and have him make you a ton. Then give him a few bucks for his time. There are free models on Thingiverse

[@Philip-KA4KOE]

This antenna is a really nice system. The break down field tripod is a winner. Thanks. Philip Neidlinger KA4KOE.