Q:What is the best way to ground the OCF?
The OCF works against earth ground at RF frequencies and should only be grounded at the end of the coax attaching to the transceiver. We suggest that end of the coax be removed from the transceiver and attached to an good earth ground when not in use. Lightning or atmospheric static discharge will damage any equipment connected to the coax if these conditions occur, so be safe and disconnect it. Always think safety first and don't operate if storms are in the area.

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 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. Remember, a tuner changes nothing at the antenna, it only makes the transceiver happy.

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

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