Off-Center-Fed (OCF) Antenna FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q:How many Watts can I feed to the 300 Watt antenna?
Up to 300 Watts (SWR 2:1 or better) in any mode to be safe, the internal components of the balun are not designed for anything over 300 Watts. We offer a 3,000 Watt model for those that need more power.

Q:Can the OCF antenna be used for portable operations?
The Wire on the OCF is 12 gauge, 65 strands of tinned copper. It is very flexible and is really ideal for erecting in the field. Since no tuning, pruning or modification is required, the OCF can be in operation in a matter of minutes.

Q:Which direction does the OCF radiate?
Patterns vary depending on the band/frequency, configuration and height above ground. Our best guess is that the OCF is much like a dipole (radiates off the sides). Good reception is a key to being successful with your contacts. The balun has confounded all the modeling programs we have tried. If any of our users would like to share their knowledge we will be glad to post it here.

Q:Why is it important to not use a tuner?
Not using a tuner of any kind removes the possibility of attenuating weak signals you are trying to receive. Using a tuner of any kind to manage SWR can kill or further weaken these already weak signals. Using top quality coax is also important. If you can't hear them, you can't work them...

Using a tuner can mask a poor SWR of an antenna and consequently overheat a balun or matching transformer. Always check SWR without a tuner in the line first. Remember, a tuner changes nothing at the antenna, it only makes the transceiver happy.

Q:Can I upgrade the balun of my antenna?
No, our antennas are built to be as weather-proof as possible so there is no way to replace the balun without having to cut the wires. The balun is encased in epoxy to keep it safe from water. Even if you could replace just the balun, it is the majority of the antenna cost so you're better off just getting another antenna. Some people put up two antennas, one oriented North-South and the other East-West, and use a switch to pick the one with the loudest signal.

Q:Can I convert my 8-Band to a 7-Band, or a 7-Band to a 4-Band?
It can be done just by shortening the wire lengths and crimping on new insulators, but it is best done here at Buckmaster. We tension the antenna to exactly the right length and use high-quality crimps that are crimped with a special tool to make things as permanent as possible. Just call or write us, we will only charge you for the return shipping to do the conversion.

Q:How can I test/troubleshoot my Buckmaster OCF Antenna?
Normally our antenna should give you many years of trouble-free service, and you should get SWRs equal to or better than our numbers. Common problems include the coax cable, antenna switches, or metal objects in the surrounding environment. An ideal installation would be well clear of any metal objects.

You can troubleshoot your coax and connectors/switches by substituting a dummy load for the OCF antenna and checking SWR with your transmitter or an antenna analyzer. Many times it is a coaxial connector or an antenna switch that causes the problem. It is normal for the antenna to test as a short using an ordinary DC Ohmmeter; it is not a short at radio frequencies.

Eliminating metal in the vicinity of the antenna is usually necessary to obtain good SWRs. You may have to raise or lower the antenna, move the metal objects if possible, or move the antenna to another location to keep it clear from metal. Otherwise if the metal is a resonant length on the band you are trying to work, the metal can couple to the antenna and cause bad SWRs. If you are hanging the antenna from a tower, try to use a pole or standoff to get it at least 4 or 5 feet from the tower. Or, hang the center from the tower on 10 feet of rope and pull the center away from the tower by pulling the legs diagonally. An ideal installation would be out in a field clear of any surrounding objects, with the center suspended from a tree branch or PVC pole.

Stretched wire or overheating the balun by transmitting too much wattage or with high SWRs are less common problems. A few customers have had trees fall on their antenna. The wire is tough and usually stretches but survives. But when the antenna is the wrong length, your SWRs will change. If you suspect your wire is stretched call or e-mail us and we will help you send it back to get it cut to the proper length again.

Our antennas are rated for the power we think they will handle, do not exceed that limit. Also keep in mind that using a tuner just makes the radio happy and does not change the SWR at the antenna. If the SWR is too high and you put enough power into it, you will burn up the balun. Overheating the balun is not covered under warranty, so be sure you know your SWRs without a tuner before putting power into the antenna.

Q:I cannot solve my antenna problem, how do I return it to Buckmaster?
If you can't solve the problem please talk to us first. We will help examine the factors of your particular installation and problem. If we find it necessary you can send your antenna back so we can test it. We charge $25 plus return shipping to verify the correct length and then put your antenna up on our antenna range and electronically sweep the HF frequency range from 1.8 MHz to 54 MHz. We will send you a print out of what we find. The charge will be waived if you are within the one-year warranty period and we find your antenna is defective. This is a rare occurrence though, so be sure you've done all the testing you can before sending it back.

Before sending your antenna back to us, please fill out this form, print it, and include the form with your antenna. Our address is at the bottom of this page. Include any SWR information on what you are finding on each band and any other comments you care to share. If you return an antenna to us without this form, we will wait until we hear from you to do anything with it; we've gotten antennas before with no name or information. Once again, here is the link to the form you must include: http://hamcall.net/rma.html

Buckmaster Antennas
6196 Jefferson Highway
Mineral, Virginia 23117
USA

540:894-5777
800:282-5628 (Orders)
540:894-9141 (Fax)
Email: info@buck.com