BUDDIPOLE IN THE FIELD

3 Mounting and Feeding the Buddipole
The VersaTee is the focal point of any Buddipole configuration. It accepts
the whips, coils, and arms for the antenna elements, supplies the
feedpoint for the antenna, and provides the mounting point with its ½
inch NPT pipe thread at its base. Once an antenna configuration is
selected and built, it must be mounted on a mast, and fed with the feed
line. This chapter will outline strategies for erecting the antenna.
There are three general approaches to mounting the Buddipole.
The Buddipole standard tripod
accommodates an 8 foot or 16 foot mast 1 .
Each mast is topped with a Delrin ½" NPT
adapter that matches the bottom of the
VersaTee. The tripod and the 8 foot mast are
part of the Buddipole Deluxe package, but are
also available separately as accessories.
The Buddipole shock-cord (SC) mast is a
lightweight, compact, and robust mounting
solution. The mast is constructed from highstrength
aluminum tubing pieces held together
with a taut, stretchable cord. Each mast
section end is shaped so that it locks with its
adjoining section to prevent rotation. Like the
other collapsible masts, the SC mast is topped
with a Delrin ½" NPT adapter that matches
the bottom of the VersaTee. These masts are
available in two sizes: 8 feet and 11 feet. They
come in a rugged, form fitting pull string bag,
and wrapped in a wide Velcro strap.
The least expensive option is to top a standard
painter’s pole with a painter’s pole to
VersaTee adapter.
The tripod and mast offer the most convenient method for deploying
the Buddipole quickly. If using the 8 foot mast, insert the mast into the
tripod and secure with the center knob.
1 Buddipole, Inc. has begun shipping a newer long mast and tripod. The newer mast is
slighter longer than the original 16 foot mast, and it mates directly with the tripod. No
separate mating tube is required. There are no significant differences between the two
masts with regard to setup, configuration, or performance.
21