Tom Horne wrote:
I am a RACES / ARES member who is trying to actually prepare for
deployment with the ability to carry on effective communications from
anywhere. I'm here in the antenna forum to get advice on a portable
antenna system. I'm not here to join anyones particular theoretical
antenna behavior cult. If you have real world experience with a
portable multi band antenna system that actually worked for you please
share that experience with me.

Ive seen a couple of folded dipole antennas advertised that appear to
have some sort of fifty ohm dummy load at the center of the fold. Do
those things do more then provide a heat source for fleeing birds?

There are several compact vertical and horizontal antennas being sold
complete with stands or tripods are any of them worth their freight?

The so called spiderweb beams look interesting can anyone offer real
world experience on those?

I'm honestly looking for advice that is based on experience rather than
a particular theory of what should work. I want to know what does work
from real world users.

Tom;

A friend of mine had a multi band dipole sometime ago. This ant had a
separate dipole for each band all connected to one balun. It took us all
afternoon to tune it for optimum operation. Each time we tuned one
dipole the others needed work. YMMV.

I have a B&W folded dipole all frequency folded dipole that does what I
want it to do. When operated in NVIS I was able to contact stations over
400 miles away. I most likely could have done better but that was all I
need for the application.

The connection at the ends of the dipole consisted of a non inductive
resistor of either 600 or 1200 ohms (I disremember which). This does
swamp the reflected energy when the wire is non resonant. There are
those who claim the antenna is the work of the devil and those who sing
the praises of the thing. All I can say is that it did the job I wanted
it for. My problem now is I can't string it up at my new QTH. Lot to
short and no place for the sky hooks. :^(

I also have a screwdriver antenna on my vehicle that also does the job
it's designed for. It is not the most efficient antenna in the world
either. However, I learned long ago that whatever answers the question
no matter how inefficient is a success.

Screwdriver's can be mounted on a tripod and will perform.

Dave WD9BDZ

Remember YMMV