[Elecraft] Elecraft Antennas in trees

[Ralph Tyrrell]

The ARRL Antenna Book suggests using a pulley and counter weight to allow for the varying distances between trees caused by wind. At my former QTH, Ellijay GA, I noticed that in very gusty conditions sometimes the support trees moved in opposite directions at the same time. I decided to make my counterweight out of an eight foot length of 5/16" chain. Put about a third of the length of the chain on the ground during no wind conditions. Now as the wind moves the trees more of less of the chain gets lifted off the ground. This gives a gradual increment in the weight of the counterweight. The antenna that I had up was 88' of #18 insulatd wire up 40', center fed with 450 Ohm line.

With this antenna I got into ECN on 40 and 20 using the K1 just about every time I tried. (Kevin, wish I could find a place for this type of antenna where I now live.)

I was concerned about the sudden change of weight caused by a solid one piece weight hitting the ground or lifted off the ground. With one third of the chain on the ground the weight does not swing in the breeze.

73, Ty, W1TF, K1 #1423,  K3 #696