The stock PAC-12 does pretty well; in the HFPack tests it was less than 1dB down from a 16' wire with a single elevated radial on 20M. The MP1 performed similarly. I would expect the Buddistick that Elecraft sells to be in similar territory. I don't think that the loading coil is a big issue, at least on 20M.

At the last AmTech day (http://www.am-tech.info) I worked Japan on 20M with 10W SSB and my K2, no problem. It's a good quick DX antenna, with the low angle of radiation you expect from a vertical.

Kristen K6WX has done some experiments with the PAC-12 coil, radials, and elements and discussed it at AmTech day , and reported that raising the high current point by putting more aluminum rod below the coil and using 3-wire (instead of 2) and longer radials to reduce ground loss does more for getting out than spacing the coil out. Pacific Antenna sells additional rods, or you can make your own with a tapping tool and rod from the hardware store. I imagine that Budd and Vern have similar things going, so I think no matter what short vertical you choose, you'll have plenty of options to experiment.

Leigh / WA5ZNU

Mark Saunders, KJ7BS wrote:
Ok, I've read about the PAC-12 antenna and I'm almost convinced to get/build
one. It's a short vertical, right? What is its performance? It's got to be a compromise, right?
Would a larger coil diameter with wider spacing between the winds improve
performance?

Mark Saunders, KJ7BS
Glendale, AZ
=================================================================

<SNIP>

Leigh WA5ZNU convinced me to build a PAC-12 antenna early on, but
I never had much luck with it. It doesn't work in my back yard
at all... I brought it to our cabin a couple of times and couldn't
figure out what I was doing wrong. I could hear "OK", but no one
could hear me.

<SNIP>

73 de chris K6DBG
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