Hi Tom,
If you are considering the Hustler, you might look at the Hamstick
line of antennaes.  I believe that they are fewer $$s than Hustler
and I have heard some good signals using them.  Just something else
to add to the mix.
Good luck.
Pat, K9JAUAt 05:55 PM 9/6/2005, you wrote:
>Ok, guys,  I give up!!!!!!!!!!!!!
>
>As you may know, over the past year or two, I have been experimenting with
>various portable HF antennas, ranging from zip-cord antennas, to random wire
>antennas, to the famous G5RV, and lately, the Buddipole.
>
>I have had some success with the various wire antennas, but have not done
>consistently well with the Buddipole system.
>
>Today, in fact, we had a little special event station at a local
>Arts and Crafts Fair where I tried to set up the Buddipole, and the effort
>was practically a bust.
>I spent my time on 20 meters, and made a hand-full of CW contacts, since
>that's where I could get the SWR down to something close to reasonable.  I
>had an auto-tuner, of course, to protect the rig.
>
>I have had some luck with the Buddipole, in our new travel trailer,
>particularly on 20 meters, but it just doesn't seem to perform consistently.
>The antenna is tuned by a combination of tap-and-coil settings, and whip
>lengths.  It simply may be a bit too difficult for a blind guy like me to do
>consistently.
>
>(Note:  You have to realize how hard it is for me to admit defeat like this!
>HI!  HI!  HI!
>
>Anyway, I regard some of the folks on this list as knowledgeable in portable
>HF work, and am very
>interested in any suggestions you might have for a portable HF antenna
>system that we could mount on the back of our camper, or that someone like
>me could set up independently out in the field.  I would like to be able to
>work from 10
>through 80 meters if possible, although I realize that's a tall order
>especially for the lower frequencies.  I do have one of the  talking SWR
>meters from Remy Simmard, so can
>use that to check SWR when needed.
>
>Just for the record, my portable HF station consists of an Icom 718, an LDG
>AT11MP auto-tuner, and an MFJ Mighty Lite power supply.
>
>I have heard varying reports about screwdriver antennas, and the Outbacker,
>but don't want to get stuck again spending all kinds of money for something
>that doesn't work well.
>
>My other problem right now is trying to sell the Buddipole so I can get the
>funds to buy and try something else.  If you have any suggestions as to
>where to do this, also let me know.  The Buddipole folks do have a users
>group, which I'm a member of, so that might be a good start.
>
>Sorry for the rambling nature of this e-mail.  It's just been a frustrating
>experience recently, so I figured I'd go to the experts.
>
>Any thoughts would be appreciated.
>
>Best 73 from Tom Behler: KB8TYJ