Darrell:

I have two ideas.

1.  Are there ground radials on that outbacker?  If not, I would suggest
that you need some.  My thinking is that this is a loaded vertical.

2.  I would suggest the pac-12.  This is either buildable or available as a
kit from http://www.pacificantennas.com

For building instructions, go to www.amqrp.org and search around.

THis is essentially a loaded vertical with separate coils for each
band.  It breaks down into pieces no more than a foot long.  I modified
mine to use the coil wound for 40 meters, and then tapped at the suggested
points for each band above that.  I've got one more mechanical problem to
work out, then all should be well.  Will fit into a backpack, and weigh
about 2 to 3 pounds including radials.

Good luck, and write back with any questions.

>Hi all,
>
>OK.  My portable, apartment QRP station is up and running, well, sort of...
>I have the Icom IC-703 running with the Outbacker Joey antenna.  The
>Outbacker is wonderfully accessible; just change the band tap plug to change
>bands, but, well, that's about all I can say for it...  While I can receive
>some signals on HF, I am essentially unable to transmit.  Oh, yes, I can get
>a decent SWR, especially when I use my rig's auto antenna tuner, but I can't
>even work a fellow ham three miles away.
>
>Does anyone have any ideas of a better antenna that can be assembled and
>tuned without the need of sight?  I am specifically thinking about either
>the Super Antennas MP-1 or even a Buddipole.  The Buddipole looks like it
>might even provide some real performance, while the MP-1 looks like it might
>provide a little better performance than my existing Outbacker Joey.  Any
>ideas are welcome.  I really want to get on the air and make some actual
>QSOs, but I'm reaching the end of my budget for experimenting to get this
>done...  My next move really needs to count for something...  :-)
>
>Thanks and 73.