[Elecraft] KX1 Kite Antenna -- Thinking Out Loud

[Bruce Prior]

Propagation is lousy today.  I'm scheming about various field ops with my 
new KX1.  I use a BNC-to-dual-post adapter for an end-fed/counterpoise 
antenna system.  It occurred to me that in an open location like our local 
Semihamoo Spit in Drayton Harbor, a Puget Sound inlet, I could launch an 
end-fed wire using a small parafoil kite, which, having no stiff parts, can 
easily be carried in my backpack.  I can tether my 30 m length end-fed 
antenna to a short cord which ties the six-string parafoil harness together 
below the kite.  For use in a heavy wind, the normal tail can also be 
attached to the kite without interference with the antenna.  I'm concerned 
about static build-up in windy conditions.  Suppose I were to attach a 
high-value resistor shunt (say, one megohm) between the ground and antenna 
posts, and then plunge one of my aluminum ski poles with its anodized 
surface sanded off into the ground.  Using an alligator clip, I would attach 
a ground wire to the ski pole, thereby achieving a DC ground connection to 
the ground side of the radio as well as attaching my usual 9 and 10 meter RF 
counterpoise wires.  The same ski pole will also provide an physical anchor, 
preventing KX1 #206 from being launched on an unscheduled kite ride.  Have I 
forgotten anything?  Any advice?

72,

J. Bruce Prior N7RR
Kairos Research
853 Alder Street
Blaine, WA  98230-8030
360-332-6046

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