Darrell:

I think a good set of radials would improve that antenna markedly.

Also, not sure if the joey is base loaded or center loaded.  THe pac-12 is
center loaded, and has performed well for me.
I run almost exclusively qrp cw, and have worked most of the u.s. with 5
watts and either the pac-12 or just a wire supported on a fiberglass crappy
pole with a counterpoise.

Don't know your situation, but if you can get three or four quarter wave
radials laid down, you should see much better performance.

73 and good luck
At 01:53 PM 1/15/2005 -0700, you wrote:

>Hi Gary,
>
>I am currently running the Outbacker Joey portable vertical antenna.  I have
>it clamped to the rail on the patio of my first floor apartment with a
>single counterpoise wire that is connected to copper hotwater pipes.
>
>This antenna is accessible.  Plugging a wanderwire in to a specific hole on
>the side of the antenna selects the band of operation.  It is an extremely
>poor performer and almost not worth the trouble.
>
>I haven't yet replaced this antenna with something new.  I am weighing my
>options.  Might just wait a few years till I have a house or something...
>
>
>----- Original Message -----
>From: "Gary Lee" <[log in to unmask]>
>To: <[log in to unmask]>
>Sent: Saturday, January 15, 2005 8:18 AM
>Subject: portable hf antennas
>
>
> > John and others:
> >
> > Take a look at the pac-12 portable vertical.  from pacific antenna;
> > http://www.pacificantenna.com
> >
> > Also, you can home brew this from the article at
> > http://www.njqrp.org/pac-12/index.html
> >
> >
> > I built one last year, and it works great.  Mine was all home brew, and
> > only needed some help with the machining and one solder joint.
> >
> > I modified the design to use one coil and a wander lead.  However, I may
> > go
> > back to separate coils for ruggedness and ease of setup.
> >
> > Hope this helps.
>
>
>-- incoming mail is certified Virus Free.
>Checked by AVG Anti-Virus.
>Version: 7.0.300 / Virus Database: 265 - Release Date: 1/14/2005