Buddipole Buddistick PRO User manual

Buddistick PRO HF Vertical Antenna
Copyright © 2021 Buddipole. All rights reserved 1 350-00108 Rev3
Phone: [phone] Email: [email protected] September 2021
Figure 1 Inserting tripod legs
Versahub
Radial wire
OVERVIEW
The BUDDISTICK PRO HF vertical antenna is based on
a new feed point design called the “Versahub”,
which provides the ability to configure the antenna
as a tabletop, tripod or mast mounted vertical
antenna for the HF bands. It is a great companion to
compact lightweight portable HF/VHF/UHF
transceivers with power handling up to 250W PEP.
ASSEMBLY
The optional five section shock cord legs can be
configured for use as a tabletop assembly or a free-
standing tripod base.
Tabletop Base Assembly
For tabletop operation set up the BUDDISTICK PRO
using the three mini leg sockets.
A self-supporting stand-alone tripod can be
configured by folding the legs and using the one-
wrap strap to secure the other sections.
Insert the toggle on each leg into the leg socket by
stretching the cord and allowing the leg to snap into
place in the leg socket in the base (see Figure 1.)
Stand-alone Tripod Base Assembly
To create a full-size tripod extend the legs before
inserting them into the base, attaching with the
toggles as described above.
Additional stability can be added to the tripod by
suspending a weight from the bottom of the
Versahub base using a small eye hook secured to the
bottom of the Versahub.
Use with a mast or monopole
The underside of the Versahub has a female thread
(1/4” x 20) compatible with most camera mounts.
This allows you to use a monopole or mast mount to
support the antenna. The three Versahub leg
sockets can then be used for guying using the
optional guy kit.
Antenna Assembly
Antenna Arms
Thread the two rigid antenna 11 inch arms together
and screw the assembly into the central Versahub
housing above the BNC connector (Figure 2.).
Figure 2 Exploded view of antenna
Coil
Whip
2 x Arms
Toggle

Copyright © 2021 Buddipole. All rights reserved 2 350-00108 Rev3
Phone: [phone] Email: [email protected] September 2021
Loading Coil
Screw the coil into the end of the arms and then add
the whip to the top side of the coil.
Figure 3 Installing a coil clip
Coil clips should be added to the coil to set the coil
inductance for several bands. Several coil clips can
be installed at a time speeding up switching between
bands. The clips have a hook shaped end which slips
over the winding at the desired location. Unscrew
the colored knob almost completely to fully extend
the hook and angle the hook as shown in Figure 3.
Hook the clip onto the desired coil turn (see Table 1
on page 3) then rotate the clip so that is
perpendicular to the winding and gently tighten the
knob. Plug the mini banana plug into the hole at the
top of the coil clip.
Telescopic Whip
Fully extend the telescopic whip and screw the whip
into the top of the coil.
Radial Wire
Attach one end of the radial wire to the terminal
behind the center post (do not remove the wire
from the winder).
Unwind enough wire to make the length
approximately one quarter wavelength on the
operating band and using the winder as a support
attach the far end to a short non-conductive post or
convenient point (on top of bushes or low tree limbs,
for example) about 2 –4 feet above the ground (see
Figure 4). The elevated radial must always stay at
least 2 feet above ground!
Color coded tags are attached to the wire to indicate
the approximate length to set the elevated radial,
see Table 1 for details.
Figure 4 BUDDISTICK PRO Antenna Configuration
TUNING
The antenna can be tuned for operation on any band
from 40m through 6m by adjusting the position of
the tap on the coil and the length of the radial (see
Table 1).
The radial is approximately one quarter of a
wavelength on the band you are operating on. Color
coded tags are attached to the radial wire indicating
the correct position for each band.
Multiple coils taps can be set to accommodate
operation on multiple bands (plug into the one
corresponding to the one on which you intend to
operate).
Tuning can be optimized for an excellent match
using an antenna analyzer. As some fine tuning may
be required, remember to write down the
combination of settings which gives the best results
in your particular setting. The name of the game is
reproducibility.

Copyright © 2021 Buddipole. All rights reserved 3 350-00108 Rev3
Phone: [phone] Email: [email protected] September 2021
Recommended Settings
The table below shows setting for the major bands using the standard-length 66 inch whip. Because this antenna
is fully adjustable it can also be tuned for other frequencies outside the ham bands. Keep accurate notes as adding
additional antenna arms or longer whips will change the settings.
Table 1 Antenna Settings
BAND
ARMS
COIL
COIL TAPS
RADIAL
TAG
COLOR
RADIAL
LENGTH
(INCHES)
WHIP LENGTH
40m
2
Y
39
Orange
362
Fully extended
20 m
2
Y
13
Blue
162
Fully extended
17 m
2
Y
9
Brown
119.25
6 sections minus 4 inches
15 m
2
Y
6
Red
110.25
Fully extended
12 m
2
Y
4
Yellow
95.5
Fully extended
10m
2
Y
2
Grey
81
Fully extended
6m
0
N
N/A
Black
42.5
5 sections
NOTES:
1) Set radial length at appropriate mark for the intended band.
2) Coil tap positions are counted from the top of the coil (the first turn on the coil is at the top).
3) The coils are marked with alternate blue/black markings for every 5th turn, making counting very quick.
4) The coil is not used for the 6 m band.
5) Usually only need to adjust whip lengths for 6m and 17m.