7 Band OCF FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q:Can the OCF antenna be used for portable operations?
The Wire on the OCF is 12 guage, 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.

Please Email us: info@buck.com
to contribute items for this FAQ page. Thanks.

Buckmaster Antennas
6196 Jefferson Highway
Mineral, Virginia 23117 USA
540:894-5777
800:282-5628 (Orders)
540:894-9141 (Fax)
Email: info@buck.com