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Buckmaster World wide DX, multi-band, no tuner required, Off-Center-Fed (OCF) Dipole Antennas

7-Band OCF      7-Band STEALTH      7-Band QRP      4-Band OCF      8-Band OCF      Features      Installation      Order an Antenna      Scratch 'n Dent      Reviews      FAQ


7-Band 3,000 Watt (top) and 300 Watt (bottom)

About the Buckmaster OCF Dipole Antennas

Buckmaster OCF Dipole Antennas work multiple bands and are made from the best quality materials. They have no external connectors and a permanently sealed white PVC weatherproof center enclosure containing the potted autotransformer acting as 6:1 voltage balun. Designed to give you years of trouble-free service, they are shipped ready to go with no trimming or assembly required and are available with 100, 300, or 3,000 Watt baluns and are offered in 4, 7, or 8 band lengths.

About power ratings: To work 4, 7, or 8 different bands on one length of wire we use a custom 6:1 balun. The 6:1 balun does a great job of matching but is subject to heating up with sustained usage at higher SWRs. So, it is important to buy an antenna with a balun that is rated at a higher power than what you will actually transmit. As a general rule of thumb:

100 Watt baluns support 100 Watts with 1:1 SWR, 50 Watts with 2:1 SWR, 33 Watts with 3:1 SWR, and so on. So they are for QRP work, not standard 100W transceivers.

300 Watt baluns support 300 Watts with 1:1 SWR, 150 Watts with 2:1 SWR, and 100 Watts at 3:1 SWR. This is why our 300 Watt models are a good match for 100W transceivers on the supported bands.

3,000 Watt baluns support a theoretical 3,000 Watts with 1:1 SWR, 1,500 Watts with 2:1 SWR, and 1,000 Watts at 3:1 SWR. 3,000 Watt models are needed if you run over 100 Watts, but the SWR numbers can also be better than 300W models in some cases, so you will be heard better. See our measured SWR numbers in the 4-Band, 7-Band, and 8-Band descriptions below.

Buckmaster OCF Dipole Antennas are a great simple way to get on the air and work multiple bands! They are shipped ready to go, all you have to do is screw in your coax and raise the antenna in the air. We have had many satisfied customers since 2004!

Read our OCF Antenna FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

What You Need

  • An installation environment clear of long metal objects. THIS IS IMPORTANT FOR ANTENNA PERFORMANCE. Long metal objects include metal poles, buildings, other antennas, towers, house wiring, fences, or gutters. Metal objects can interfere with RF coming to/from any antenna if they are resonant on a band you are trying to work. Multi-band antennas work on many frequencies so there is greater chance that nearby metal may be resonant on a band you are trying to work. If you must install the OCF near metal objects, a minimum 10 feet separation is suggested. We do not recommend hanging the Buckmaster OCF Antennas from a metal tower unless you have a least a 10' standoff and/or hang the balun enclosure down from a 10'+ piece of rope and use the legs of the antenna to pull the balun enclosure away from the antenna. Having the Buckmaster OCF close to a metal mast or tower very often results in poor SWR on one or more bands!
  • Something non-metal to hang the center from, such as a tree branch, non-metallic pole, or a "messenger line", a rope stretched tight between two supports such as trees. Due to the weight of the balun, you must hang the antenna from the stainless steel eyebolt on the balun, you shouldn't hang the antenna from the ends alone. Tree branches must be trimmed so they do not contact the wire; the wire is tough and flexible but tree branches will gradually rub the insulation off and allow water inside, which will cause SWR to rise.
  • Enough ground space for the antenna. Our antennas are designed and tested to operate in a straight line as viewed from above. Not having the antenna in a straight line will have negative performance impacts. A 4-Band OCF is 68 feet long, 7-Band is 135 feet long, and 8-band is 270 feet long. For small lots: with the antenna legs sloping down at the minimum 120 degree angle the 4-Band antennas need at least 60 feet of ground space from end-to-end, 7-Band antennas need at least 120 feet of ground space, and 8-Band antennas need 239 feet of ground space. If you don't have enough ground space, you will either have to try a different type of antenna or accept lower performance from bending the legs.
  • Good quality 50 Ohm coaxial cable with appropriate power rating. Good coax such as: RG58, RG8X, RG8, RG213, Belden 9913F7, Davis RF Bury-Flex, or LMR-400. A coax with a dense (or double) braid is worth the money. Don't lose that weak signal in the coax!
  • Also needed or useful: Suspension Rope, Stainless Steel Pulleys, and Line Grips.

  • Available Models

    The magic is in the mathematical relationship between amateur bands. The charts below speak for themselves!

    4-Band OCF Antennas

     
    Our 4-Band antennas cover 40, 20, 10, and 6 meters, with no tuner required! 12 meters may also work on the 4-Band 300 watt model. The 4-Band antennas are OCF (off-center-fed), with a 23 foot leg and a 45 foot leg, totaling 68 feet. If the legs slope down at the minimum 120-degree angle, you need about 60 feet of ground space.

    (click for larger image)

    4-Band 300 Watt, Our Frequency/SWR numbers


    (click for larger image)

    4-Band 3,000 Watt, Our Frequency/SWR numbers


    The 4-Band 300 Watt weighs 4 pounds and the 4-Band 3,000 Watt weighs 6 pounds. Order here!


    7-Band OCF Antennas

     
    7-Band 300W
    Buckmaster 7-Band 300 Watt OCF Dipole Antenna (Click for larger image)

    Our 7-Band antennas cover 80, 40, 20, 17, 12, 10, and 6 meters, with no tuner required! Wire antennas are a great simple way to work 40M and 80M rather than a noisy vertical antenna that requires horizontal radials. Our 7-Band antennas are OCF (off-center-fed), with a 45 foot leg and a 90 foot leg, totaling 135 feet. With the middle at 30 feet and the ends at 10 feet the 7-Band antenna requires about 120 feet of ground space.

    Buckmaster recommends: Our 7-Band 3,000 Watt model is our best all-around performer, it is a great combination of performance and capability. It works on 7 different bands with no tuner required, especially the popular 80, 40, and 20M bands. It doesn't require an amplifier, works just as well with a standard 100 Watt transceiver, but is ready for an amplifier whenever you are.

    Our 300 Watt models are not upgradable so if you think you may buy an amplifier in the future, you would definitely want to buy 3,000 Watt model.


    (click for larger image)

    7-Band 300 Watt, Our Frequency/SWR numbers


    (click for larger image)

    7-Band 3,000 Watt, Our Frequency/SWR numbers - Supported bands only
    7-Band 3,000 Watt Frequency/SWR numbers - 3.5 MHz to 54Mhz


    The 7-Band 300 Watt antenna weighs 6 pounds and the 7-Band 3,000 Watt antenna is 8 pounds. Order here!


    Special Edition - STEALTH
    7-Band 3,000 Watt STEALTH. We can optionally build our 7-Band 3,000 Watt Antenna as a STEALTH model by painting the balun enclosure an olive green color (wire is still the standard black.) These are internally identical to our regular 7-Band 3,000 Watt antennas. The olive green color helps hide the antenna from homeowner's associations or picky neighbors! Order today to reserve yours! The STEALTH model takes about 2-3 weeks to manufacture after we receive your order. Order here!



    Special Edition - QRP (low power)
    7-Band 100 Watt QRP (low power.) Same length and construction methods as our larger antennas, but with smaller and lighter 14-gauge flexible wire instead of 12-gauge. This 135-foot antenna only weighs about 3.75 pounds. A favorite of backpackers and SOTA adventurers. Limited edition! Order here!

    Please note: Our 100 Watt antenna is a low power antenna and is not intended for operation with a standard 100 Watt transceiver. A 100 Watt antenna will support 100 Watts at 1:1 SWR, but because the antenna works many bands most SWRs will not be a perfect 1:1 (see "7-Band 100 Watt, Our Frequency/SWR numbers" link below.)

    With a 2:1 SWR the 100W antenna would handle about 50W, with a 3:1 SWR it can handle 33W, etc. Because of this for a 100 Watt transceiver you need at least a 300 Watt antenna because most operation.

    (click for larger image)
    7-Band 100 Watt, Our Frequency/SWR numbers

    8-Band OCF Antennas

     
    Our 8-Band antennas support 160, 75/80, 40, 20, 17, 12, 10, & 6 meters. A tuner may be needed on 160M and the 3.8 MHz to 4.0 MHz range of 80M, see the Frequency/SWR chart below. Our 8-Band models have a 90 foot leg and a 180 foot leg, totaling 270 feet. With the legs sloping down at the minimum 120-degree angle, you need about 238 feet of ground space.

    Construction details are the same as the 7 and 4-Band antennas, the 8-Band just has more wire so it can work 160M. A tuner may be required for 160 and portions some other bands, please see our SWR numbers: 8-Band 3,000 Watt, Our Frequency/SWR Numbers

    NOTE: The 8-Band antenna SWR at the upper end of 80M is not as good as our 7-Band antennas. You may not be able to run high power across 80M on an 8-Band antenna without a tuner. That is the tradeoff to get 160M. For the best all-around performance with an amplifier and 80M, we suggest our 7-Band 3,000 Watt.

    The 8-Band 300 Watt antenna weighs 10 pounds and the 8-Band 3,000 Watt antenna is 12 pounds. Order here!


    Construction Details

    Buckmaster OCF Antennas are made from the best quality materials and are designed to give you years of trouble-free service. Features include:
  • Heavy duty stainless 1/4 inch center threaded, cemented with lock nut eyebolt supports the off center enclosure for years of trouble free service.
  • Permanently sealed white PVC weatherproof center enclosure containing the potted autotransformer acting as 6:1 voltage balun, high-quality crimps and wire stress relief.
  • Flexible, tinned, 12 gauge, 65 strand, PVC coated copper wire
  • Crimped on end insulators, high-quality crimps, even a cap to protect end of wire!
  • Special drip collar around the one-piece silvered SO-239 connector with beryllium copper pin.
  • No trimming - fully assembled, complete and ready to go.
  • No external hardware to loosen or corrode.
  • Installation Information

  • Antenna Instructions PDF. These are the instructions that ship with the antennas.
  • The balun enclosure must be supported by the stainless steel eyebolt, not the antenna legs. The antenna legs are strong and flexible, but will stretch over time with 24/7/365 wind and weather if used to support the balun enclosure.
  • The antenna should be at least 10' from any metal objects such as poles, buildings, towers, house wiring, fences, or gutters that may be resonant on a frequency you're trying to work.
  • Hang the center from an object such as a tree limb or a non-metallic pole. If hanging from a metal tower the antenna needs to be separated from the tower by a non-metallic means such as a standoff pole or hung from the tower with 20 feet of rope and pulled away from the tower with the legs of the antenna. Having the Buckmaster OCF close to a metal mast or tower often results in poor SWR on 80 Meters and other bands. If the legs of the antenna go near trees, branches must be kept trimmed away from the wire or the insulation will gradually rub off and allow water inside, which will negatively affect SWR.
  • Hang the center of the Buckmaster OCF at 30 feet and the ends from 10 to 30 feet. If you decide to hang the center higher you must still maintain a 120-degree to 180-degree (flat) angle as viewed from the side. For example, if you decide to hang the center 10 feet higher at 40 feet, then the ends must correspondingly be raised 10 feet higher, so at least 20'. Higher isn't always better though, most of our best reviews come from users with the center at 30'.
  • If you don't have anything to hang the center from, consider using a 'messenger line' between two supports (trees, etc.) consisting of a run of good quality, UV protected rope with a pulley at one support. Tie the OCF balun along this line in a spot that works for you (and will allow the balun to be reached from the ground) and run the coax away at a ninety degree angle (as possible). This takes tension off of the antenna legs and the pulley at one support makes it easy to take things down for service or inspection (be sure the rope is long enough). Also be sure to make allowances for support trees swaying in the wind by using a weight such as a gallon milk jug or two and a pulley to handle the movement of the tree supports.
  • Small lot? With the legs at a 120 degree angle as viewed from the side and depending on how you secure the ends, the 4-Band antennas need at least 60 feet of ground space from end-to-end, 7-Band antennas need at least 120 feet of ground space, and 8-Band antennas need 238 feet of ground space.
  • Install the antenna in a straight line as viewed from above.
  • Usually works best as an "inverted-V." Erecting the center at least 30 feet above ground is recommended. Ends should be 10 feet or more from the ground for proper broadcasting and safety.
  • Higher is not always better. If the center is mounted too high it can be hard to get the ends high enough to maintain a 120 to 180 degree (flat) angle.
  • We recommend using rope and a pulley to hang the center balun, so the antenna can be easily lowered for easy access.
  • Use good quality 50 Ohm coaxial cable with appropriate power rating such as: RG58, RG8X, RG8, RG213, Belden 9913F7, Davis RF Bury-Flex. A coax with a dense (or double) braid is worth the money. Don't lose that weak signal in the coax!
  • Keep it simple. Ideally the coax will go directly from the antenna feed point to your transceiver with no grounding, lightning arrestors, tuners, or switches in between. Less connectors and less electronics equals more reliability.
  • The integrated drip ring that protects the connector on the bottom of the antenna can make it hard to get your fingers in to screw in your coax. If needed use pliers to get a better grip. Make it good and snug but not super tight.
  • An ideal installation would have the center of the antenna at least 20 feet away from your house or hamshack and hanging about 30 feet high from a tree branch. The ends of the antenna would be 10 feet high and tied off to tree trunks or non-metallic poles. Keep the entire antenna in a straight line as viewed from above, and away from metal objects. Any deviation from this can affect your SWR numbers on one or more bands. There are an infinite number of environment and installation scenarios but all of our testing has been done with the center at 30' and the ends at 10', away from all metal, with the antenna in a straight line as viewed from above.
  • Route coaxial feed line to the shack by running it away from the antenna at a 90 degree angle as possible. Do not tie the coax to a metallic structure or tower. Shorter coax is usually better for lower loss.

  • Read our OCF Antenna FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

    Operating with the Buckmaster OCF Antenna

  • Our multi-band antennas have been in use all around the world since 2004 with outstanding results.
  • We rate the Wattage on our antennas at exactly what we think they will do, so a 300 Watt antenna really will support about 300 Watts. Our 300 Watt antennas are designed for a 100 Watt transceiver with a good margin of error for less than perfect SWRs (which are hard to achieve on a multi-band antenna.) If you ever anticipate getting an amplifier, you need our 3,000 Watt model, it supports legal limit with a good margin of error. Please note that all our antennas work great with less than rated power, you just don't want to put more than rated power into them. So for example you could run our 7-Band 3,000 Watt antenna with a 15 Watt Elecraft KX3 with great results.
  • Check your SWR numbers on each band before putting power into the antenna. If your SWR numbers are above 2.5 or so, reduce power when transmitting.
  • We don't recommend using a tuner. A tuner can be used to make your transmitter happy, but remember a tuner does not change the antenna. With or without a tuner, be sure your SWR numbers are low before putting power into the antenna.
  • The balun will test as a short when testing using a DC Ohm meter and will test correctly at RF frequencies when erected and using an antenna analyzer. So use an analyzer or your transceiver's SWR meter at reduced power.
  • ALWAYS physically disconnect the OCF coax from equipment and securely ground both conductors when you are finished operating. We believe simple is better and no amount of lightning protection can protect you more than simply disconnecting the antenna from your equipment. Better to lose an antenna to lightning rather than a transceiver!

  • Comments From Our Users

  • Chosen by the 3YØX DXpedition to Peter I Island in Antarctica. Used aboard the 'DAP Mares' transport ship.
    Photo of Peter I DXPedition Members
    Photo of Bob K4UEE pointing to the Buckmaster OCF Antenna
  • "...its amazing that just two carefully selected lengths of wire can work that well on five [really 7] bands." - Kent, WA5VJB (CQ, January, 2006, p70)
  • "...works great, I'm impressed, tunes 160m with tuner [not recommended], worked stations on all bands, outstanding quality construction." - WC4N
  • Chosen by KC4AUF leader of the 2004 Tangier Island DXpedition. "Superb design (no tuner), quality manufacture and booming all band signals." - KC4AUF
  • "It sure is great to have a relatively flat SWR with no tuner all across those six bands! Thanks for a good-quality product! I speak well of it to my friends." - K3TED
  • "Great signal on both ends of QSO. It is good to get products and service that deliver as, or better than, advertised." - KA4AQN
  • "These things are built like a tank! ... This is the finest wire antenna I've ever used. Just cannot recommend it enough." - KB0QMF (at eham.net)
  • "Liked it so much I bought a second one. The Buckmaster's are definitely worth the money." - K3VV (at eham.net)
  • "Absolutely the best dipole I have owned or tried. Superior to the Windom. Would buy another product from them again without questions." - KC4QH (at eham.net)
  • "Fine construction and resonant on all advertised bands. I am very pleased with it compared to several previous Radio Works Carolina Windom ANTs." - N9VV (at eham.net)
  • "After playing around with numerous wire antennas for the last 40 years in amateur radio, I am impressed with the construction and simplicity of installation. The real bonus is that the performance is as advertised." - Gene, K4COH
  • "I installed the OCF Dipole that I bought last week. I just wanted to tell you that I am very pleased!! It was an easy installation, and the SWR is great on all bands. The signal reports I have gotten are excellent, and the receive is even better. Thanks for a great antenna. I will recommend it any time." Cordially, Jim Davis N0DNY
  • "As proof of the efficiency of the Buckmaster antenna, I worked the VP6DX Ducie DXpedition on 80meteres with only 2.5watts with my FT-817 QRP rig. The VP6DX is 5248 miles away so that equates to 2099.2 miles per watt." - Tony KC4AUF
  • See the 7-Band OCF at the HH2AA site in Haiti at 6,300 feet above sea level. A very nice photo, courtesy of RemoteHamRadio.

    eHam.net user reviews for the Buckmaster 7-Band 300 OCF
    eHam.net user reviews for the Buckmaster 7-Band 3,000 OCF
    eHam.net user reviews for the Buckmaster 4-Band 300 OCF

  • Ordering Information

    Buckmaster antennas are built from high-quality components, that makes them cost more to build. Many spend well over $1,000 for a good transceiver, don't skimp on your antenna! Your antenna is what actually gets you "on the air." A good antenna in good conditions can work the world with 100 Watts or less!

    We generally ship by USPS Priority Mail because the cost is about the same as UPS and the transit time is shorter. USPS Priority Mail shipping is generally $15 to $20 to the USA. For antennas shipped to Virginia and adjoining states, we generally ship by UPS because they are the best price/speed combination. UPS shipping usually costs around $13.00-$28.00. If you can ship to a business or urban address, UPS typically charges several dollars less.

    Outside the USA, we ship USPS Priority Mail International, the cost starts around $67.00. Canada is less. These shipments can take a long time and we insure each shipment for the full value of the antenna. Please check this page to see if full insurance is offered on shipments to your country (click on your country name, look for the section that mentions "Insurance.") If insurance for the full cost of the antenna is not offered, we will not be able to ship an antenna to you! Please ship the antenna to a country where insurance is offered.

    Shipping weight is estimated at 6 pounds for the 300 Watt, 8 pounds for the 3,000 Watt, and 10 pounds for the 5,000 Watt. 8-Band antennas have a lot more wire so they weigh about 11 pounds.

    **NOTE: Due to high demand and large dealer orders, antennas will take up to 21 days to ship. Generally no antennas are in stock. We ship orders on a "first come, first served" basis. We won't charge you until we ship your order. HRO, DX Engineering, and Main Trading have some models in stock, so if you need an antenna right away check with them.

    To order production of an antenna, click one of the following links:


    Buckmaster 4-Band OCF Dipole Antennas are 68 feet (20 meters) long and work on 40, 20, 10, & 6 meters.
    Order 4-Band 300 Watt OCF Dipole Antenna: $276
    Order 4-Band 3,000 Watt OCF Dipole Antenna: $375
    Order 4-Band 5,000 Watt OCF Dipole Antenna: $565 (5,000 watt models are special order only and are made on-demand, so will always take a couple weeks to ship.)


    Buckmaster 7-Band OCF Dipole Antennas are 135 feet (41 meters) long and work on 80, 40, 20, 17, 12, 10, and 6 meters.
    Order 7-Band 100 Watt QRP (low power) OCF Dipole Antenna: $256
    Order 7-Band 300 Watt OCF Dipole Antenna: $307
    Order 7-Band 3,000 Watt OCF Dipole Antenna: $398

    Order 7-Band 3,000 Watt STEALTH (balun enclosure painted olive green): $410
    Order 7-Band 5,000 Watt OCF Dipole Antenna: $572 (5,000 watt models are special order only and will always take few weeks to ship.)


    Buckmaster 8-Band OCF Dipole Antennas are 270 feet (82 meters) long and work on 160 (tuner may be required for amplifier on 160 and 3.800+ on 80M), 80, 40, 20, 17, 12, 10, & 6 meters.

    Order 8-Band 300 Watt OCF Dipole Antenna: $393
    Order 8-Band 3,000 Watt OCF Dipole Antenna: $488
    Order 8-Band 5,000 Watt OCF Dipole Antenna: $646 (5,000 watt models are special order only and are made on-demand, so will always take a couple weeks to ship.)


    Scratch 'n Dent Section - These antennas are new or like new and include warranty:

    7-Band 3,000 Watt OCF Dipole Antenna: $398 Scratch 'n Dent Price: $319
    7-Band antenna with a splice in the long leg. Splice is 23' down the wire and is crimped, soldered, and covered with glue-filled heatshrink tubing. We've never had any reports of these splices failing. Antenna is brand new and fully functional on 80, 40, 20, 17, 12, 10 and 6 as described in the 7-Band antenna descriptions above. Includes standard 1-year warranty against workmanship defects that affect operation of antenna.

    8-Band 300 Watt OCF Dipole Antenna: $393 Scratch 'n Dent Price: $375
    Cosmetic defect only; lettering on enclosure is somewhat misprinted. Antenna is brand new and unused, includes standard 1-year warranty against workmanship defects that affect operation of antenna.

    View Shopping cart or go to Checkout

    For help in erecting your OCF antenna, see our Antenna Support Rope, Line Grips, and Stainless Steel Pulleys.

    Warranty and Returns

    One (1) year warranty against defects. We will repair or exchange your antenna within the first year of ownership for any workmanship defects. Warranty not offered if antenna has been stretched, broken by something falling on it, cut, the enclosure physically damaged, or the balun over-powered, operated with high SWR, or operated on non-supported bands. All supported bands are inscribed on the balun case.

    30 Day return privilege. You may return your antenna within 30 days in "as new" condition for a full refund of the antenna purchase price (less shipping.)

    Before returning any antenna, please check the troubleshooting steps mentioned in our OCF Antenna FAQ. If that fails please talk to us at the phone number below. It is extremely rare we get a defective antenna back, problems are usually due to bad coax connectors or a resonant length of metal in the vicinity. We also need you to include this RMA form with your antenna so we will know who sent it and why.



    Buckmaster International, LLC
    6196 Jefferson Highway
    Mineral, Virginia 23117 USA

    General information, product questions, tech support:
    Order or shipping questions:

    We normally answer emails within 1 business day.

    Phone: 540-894-0907 (Product questions and tech support)
    Toll free: 800-282-5628 (Orders)

    Phones are generally answered Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM Eastern USA Time.

    We are closed on US Postal Service holidays, including Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day, but also days like President's Day and Columbus Day.

    Most orders received after Noon Eastern US Time will be filled the next business morning Monday through Friday.


    Website: https://HamCall.net

    If you see anything broken on the site, please let us know at: webmaster at HamCall.net

    Facebook Facebook HamCall fan link: https://www.facebook.com/HamCall

       

    All images and text Copyright 2024 Buckmaster International, LLC


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    T 12, M 3477, Y 11787, A 1455563   03-28-2024 05:13:26