An item that can tame the Buddipole somewhat is the 4:1 balun they sell. It removes the problem of having different settings on the two coils for the same frequency, and I think it also reduces noise. 

----- Original Message -----
From: tom behler <[log in to unmask]>
To:  [log in to unmask]
Date: Monday, Jan 31, 2011 17:50:28
Subject: Re: I hope to have HF capability soon to join in the Cross Country net.

>
>
>     Kevin:
> 
> I had a Buddipole for a few years, and used it as my main HF antenna in our 
> first RV travel trailer.
> 
> What I found was this:  When the antenna worked, it really worked.
> 
> However, I found it to be quite difficult to get the right combination of 
> coil tap settings and whip lengths for various frequencies without the aid 
> of an antenna analyzer to see how the antenna was actually performing in a 
> given configuration.
> 
> I eventually sold it, because I felt there were just too many variables to 
> contend with in order to insure that it  performed consistently.
> 
> In saying all of this, I do not want to discourage you.  Maybe you can 
> figure out a system to get it to work well in various configurations, and 
> have those configurations easily set up when needed.
> 
> If you can do that, you will be a much better guy than me.
> 
> If you want to write to me privately regarding my Buddipole experiences, my 
> personal e-mail is:
> 
> [log in to unmask]
> 
> Thanks and 73 from Tom Behler: KB8TYJ
> 
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Kevin Minor" <[log in to unmask]>
> To: <[log in to unmask]>
> Sent: Monday, January 31, 2011 1:22 PM
> Subject: I hope to have HF capability soon to join in the Cross Country net.
> 
> 
> Hi.
> 
> 
> 
> For quite a while I've had a Kenwood TS-2000.  I've enjoyed using it on 2
> meters and 440 Mhz.  When I purchased the radio I also bought an MFJ
> apartment antenna.  It didn't work well at all.  This past week I decided to
> bite the bullet and purchase a Buddypole.  I hope this antenna works a bit
> better.  Whenever I can get some help over here to put it together I plan on
> seeing how many stereos and television sets I can get into <grin>.
> Seriously, I'm looking forward to getting on HF again, and maybe I'll be
> able to check into the Sunday net on 20 meters.  If anybody has had
> experience with a Buddypole, I'd be curious about what you think of the
> antenna.  Be honest about it.  If it's a crummy antenna, I'd like to know so
> I can cry in my beer.  I've heard some good reports about it, so I'm hopeful
> it will work for me.
> 
> 
> 
> Thanks in advance for any information.
> 
> 
> 
> 73, and don't work too hard.
> 
> 
> 
> Kevin Minor, Lexington, KY
> 
> [log in to unmask]