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Old June 21st 05, 05:00 PM
Jerry
 
Posts: n/a
Default Bugcatcher antennas/messin' in the shop

While I build the Carolina Cyclone screwdriver antennas (hobby as well as a
bit of profit), I recently realized that there is still a little market for
the tap-tuned and/or single band bugcatcher antennas. Some of us don't want
or need a screwdriver antenna, perhaps, aren't willing to spend the money
for screwdrivers, or only hang out on one or two--maybe 3--frequencies. So
I started building
the Cyclone Juniors---Models 8010 and 4010, the numbers obviously being the
bands they cover. They are semi-open coil forms made of hard, black nylon,
hollowed inside for weight reduction with open grooves the length of the
coil to allow clips to be placed at various points on the coil (similar to
the old Texas Bugcatcher) for attaching wander leads. These antennas are to
be center-loaded with a 2-3 foot mast and a 5-6 foot whip. An impedance coil
is included for matching. If someone wants a longer mast (these MUST be
secured just like a screwdriver about 1/2 way up the mast due to wind
loading), you may specify such up to 6' at no extra charge. Prices are
reasonable, too, at $89.95 for the 4010 and $109.95 for the 8010. Includes
wander leads and alligator clips for tapping coils.

Also, if you don't like the wander lead (I, too, think they are ugly)
hanging out there in the breeze, you can order the coils with banana-style
plugs on the bottom of the coil.
This is so you can pre-tune your coil for up to 8 bands/frequencies by
"plugging in" to a pre-tuned tap on the coil. This eliminates the ugly
wander lead and also allows one to install a weather cover to keep out rain
and ice. Either sked 20 PVC is offered or 1/8" wall Lexan clear. Both make
for an attractive installation. This option is $25.00.

Again, I am just a retired fella tinkering around in my shop. Antennas are
one of my hobbies, and I just thought it might be of interest to others. If
anyone is interested in the Cyclone Junior, just email or go thru the
screwdriver
website at QSL. The bugcatchers have not appeared on any website yet, but it
there is interest in these antennas, they will.

73

Jerry
K4KWH

www.qsl.net/k4kwh