Not to "knock" the name brands in HF mobile, but have you ever wondered why
they cost so much--up to 700 bucks for a screwdriver all-band mobile
antenna? I do because I couln't AFFORD to pay 5-7 hundred bucks for
a mobile HF antenna! And it's not the performance you are paying for; it's
fancy paint jobs and "consumer" gimmickry that run the price up! And,
actually the performance *may* be not be all that good anyway. Take for
example the ones that claim 160-10 Meter coverage. Take a look at the
loading coil, yeah, the 1 1/2" one. The one that is "transformer-wound" with
ultra thin wire. THAT'S how they are doing it. Also, many times 160 meter
mobile performance isn't all that spectactular anyway.

That is why I build the Carolina Cyclone screwdriver. I knew what I would
want *if* I were in the market for a screwdriver that would run with the big
boys, but wouldn't break the budget. Here is a 2" diameter screwdriver that
does "outtalk" those "all-band" units and it does it with large diameter
wire (14 gauge) and 8 turns spacing--about 1 wire diameter in between. The
result is an HF mobile antenna that delivers coverage from 80 thru 10 Meters
with a solid, reliable signal even when conditions
squash other mobiles. That includes the "transformer-wound" ones. For the
guys that spend a lot of time on 80 and 40 Meters, I build and recommend the
Cyclone II, a 3" diameter coil. It's for the fellas that spend a lot of
time on these bands. It earns its keep everytime. It's what I have on my
pickup truck.

I don't know it all, but I've done a LOT of experimenting and I have found
that, for the best performance on the lower bands, 3 inches is about the
best overall. If you go much bigger, then the "Q" goes so high and the
bandwidth so narrow, you spend much time re-tuning as you drive along. I
once tried out a 6" bugcatcher, and you couldn't move 5 feet until it would
be WAAAY off, and you'd need a tuner to use it at all. NO fun.

So I have build the Carolina Cyclone for the past 10 years. It is a basic,
good-looking screwdriver. It does not use PVC at all. All parts are
machined in a professional shop, and these parts are hard, black nylon. It
allows one to use an amplifier up to 1000 wattsSSB (1500 with the Cyclone
II) without worry. It comes with either a clear or a Sked 20 PVC coil cover
(don't confuse with that with the INTERNAL works). Some people actually
like the solid cover and it gives the optical illusion of being "shorter"
than it actually is--nice for those XYL's/spouses that object to tall
antennas. Your choice as to the cover.
And while many screwdrivers cost hundreds more, the Carolina Cyclone costs
only $240--$350 for the Cyclone II. Shipping is included in the price, but
price is also less whip(they are too darn hard to package and ship). And if
you are running an Icom 706, I will include a little module that will allow
you to semi-automatically set your antenna quickly with a tone signal.

I don't do a whole lot of advertising, and I am retired so this gives me a
little work in my shop. I love building antennas and this gives vent to my
hobby,

Visit www.qsl.net/k4kwh

Thanks all es 73

K4KWH

Or you could pay 175 for the Original made by the original Designer.
Why should it be 240-350 when 175 will do ?

Given that logic, I assume you drive a model T.

"Rick Scott" wrote in message
oups.com...
Or you could pay 175 for the Original made by the original Designer.
Why should it be 240-350 when 175 will do ?

Fred W4JLE wrote:
Given that logic, I assume you drive a model T.

"Rick Scott" wrote in message
oups.com...

Or you could pay 175 for the Original made by the original Designer.
Why should it be 240-350 when 175 will do ?

No, But your own argument is that you shouldnt pay 5-700 dollars for
somthing that yours does the same for 240-350.

So using your argument, why pay 240-350 for somthing that the Original
does for 175 ????

Rick the original has limited power handling capability, a small diameter
coil and no posititioning circuitry or automatic control. Compare it for
example with the offering from http://thescrewdriver.com Compare the specs
of some of the offerings of other vendors as well.

While I agree that some out there are junk, a number have made improvements
in construction, control, and power handling capabilities.

Or you can do as I have done and build your own. Assuming you have a friend
that has a lathe to cut the grooves in your core material, your willing to
rework a screwdriver motor, find a couple of friends to build one with you,
it can be built for about $70.00.
..
If you do it by yourself, be prepared to buy a 12 foot length of copper vent
pipe and not use 8 feet of it. Minimum orders for phospher bronze finger
stock, and a minimum of 12 mailing tubes and covers of which you will use
one of each. Then you are talking about $130.00 for materials not counting
the PVC, matching coil, control box, capacitors, and mounting hardware.

Had I not been involved with a bunch of great guys over by North Augusta, I
doubt I would have built one myself.

"Rick Scott" wrote in message
...
Fred W4JLE wrote:
Given that logic, I assume you drive a model T.

"Rick Scott" wrote in message
oups.com...

Or you could pay 175 for the Original made by the original Designer.
Why should it be 240-350 when 175 will do ?

No, But your own argument is that you shouldnt pay 5-700 dollars for
somthing that yours does the same for 240-350.

So using your argument, why pay 240-350 for somthing that the Original
does for 175 ????

Hi Rick,

Why so argumentative?

As far as I'm concerned, the more good ol' boys we have making
different antennas, the more choices we'll have. Do you think
choice is a bad thing? If someone else's antenna offers better
value than the poster (in your opinion), then buy someone else's
antenna. That's how the free market works. 8-)

Ed

"Rick Scott" wrote in message
...
Fred W4JLE wrote:
Given that logic, I assume you drive a model T.

"Rick Scott" wrote in message
oups.com...

Or you could pay 175 for the Original made by the original Designer.
Why should it be 240-350 when 175 will do ?

No, But your own argument is that you shouldnt pay 5-700 dollars for
somthing that yours does the same for 240-350.

So using your argument, why pay 240-350 for somthing that the Original
does for 175 ????

On Mon, 18 Jul 2005 18:46:15 -0700, Rick Scott
wrote:

Fred W4JLE wrote:
Given that logic, I assume you drive a model T.

"Rick Scott" wrote in message
oups.com...

Or you could pay 175 for the Original made by the original Designer.
Why should it be 240-350 when 175 will do ?

No, But your own argument is that you shouldnt pay 5-700 dollars for
somthing that yours does the same for 240-350.

So using your argument, why pay 240-350 for somthing that the Original
does for 175 ????

Maybe you should ask Rummy why he's paying $100,000+ for Hummers when
the Original, the Jeep, runs about $16,000.

bob
k5qwg

Fred W4JLE wrote:
Not to "knock" the name brands in HF mobile, but have you ever wondered
why
they cost so much--up to 700 bucks for a screwdriver all-band mobile
antenna? I do because I couln't AFFORD to pay 5-7 hundred bucks for
a mobile HF antenna! And it's not the performance you are paying for; it's
fancy paint jobs and "consumer" gimmickry that run the price up

This was your original ... Im not Knocking yours. I only POSTED exactly
what you did yet you took exception. WHY?

I cannot afford 5-7 for those nor can I pay 250-350.

But 175 is more reasonable

Why do you Knock MY choice when your advertising YOUR choice. I was
mearly Pointing out

Or you could pay 175 for the Original made by the original Designer.
Why should it be 240-350 when 175 will do ?

I pointed out you could pay 175 instead of 240-350. Then you go on
in your second to tell me I should go and build one myself go buy the
stock and YADA YADA. WHY, what does that serve to tell me. Im shopping,
Do you as a sales person who actually is comparing prices for products
tell me to go build my own. Would a car dealer ???

I dont see why your so defensive. If you have a good product people
will buy it. Some wont, but to tell me IM wrong for comparing is wrong.

I run 100 watts, always have always will, so what does it do for me to
have these bigger coils etc. Hell I run Iron Horse whips and can run
with a lot of screwdrivers because of the way I install and run them.
Many swear Im running a Screwdriver already. So what.

Im looking for a single antenna that does what a screwdriver does.

You posted, I posted an alternate and now your up in arms.

How about if I get all the other MFGs in here to get all up in arms with
your posting because your saying they are too costly.

Maybe you should ask Rummy why he's paying $100,000+ for Hummers when
the Original, the Jeep, runs about $16,000.

bob
k5qwg

Id like to know that myself?

Rick you have me confused with someone else, I have never sold a screwdriver
antenna in my life. Not even a used one!

"Rick Scott" wrote in message
...
Fred W4JLE wrote:
Not to "knock" the name brands in HF mobile, but have you ever wondered
why
they cost so much--up to 700 bucks for a screwdriver all-band mobile
antenna? I do because I couln't AFFORD to pay 5-7 hundred bucks for
a mobile HF antenna! And it's not the performance you are paying for;
it's
fancy paint jobs and "consumer" gimmickry that run the price up

This was your original ... Im not Knocking yours. I only POSTED exactly
what you did yet you took exception. WHY?

I cannot afford 5-7 for those nor can I pay 250-350.

But 175 is more reasonable

Why do you Knock MY choice when your advertising YOUR choice. I was
mearly Pointing out

Or you could pay 175 for the Original made by the original Designer.
Why should it be 240-350 when 175 will do ?

I pointed out you could pay 175 instead of 240-350. Then you go on
in your second to tell me I should go and build one myself go buy the
stock and YADA YADA. WHY, what does that serve to tell me. Im shopping,
Do you as a sales person who actually is comparing prices for products
tell me to go build my own. Would a car dealer ???

I dont see why your so defensive. If you have a good product people
will buy it. Some wont, but to tell me IM wrong for comparing is wrong.

I run 100 watts, always have always will, so what does it do for me to
have these bigger coils etc. Hell I run Iron Horse whips and can run
with a lot of screwdrivers because of the way I install and run them.
Many swear Im running a Screwdriver already. So what.

Im looking for a single antenna that does what a screwdriver does.

You posted, I posted an alternate and now your up in arms.

How about if I get all the other MFGs in here to get all up in arms with
your posting because your saying they are too costly.