[Elecraft] RF in the Trees

[Phil Hystad]

My only method of raising wire into the air to act as dipoles (actually fan dipoles) are trees -- nice tall straight trees.  In my case, Douglas Fir, Red Cedar, and Hemlock.  Each tree is about 80 to 95 feet tall.  I don't climb these trees though.  All antennas launched via bow & arrow with heavy fishing line that lifts up dacron line that lifts up insulated #12 house wire.

One of my antennas is a 80/40 fan dipole with a home-made balun at the center (created with the help of Jim's, K9YC, RFI paper).  The other is a 30-meter dipole.  Wires up about 50 feet elevation.

Never have had a problem and I have only had one break and I think that was caused by a squirrel looking for food inside of 3/8th Dacron line wrapped over the top of a tree branch.  No problem, I'm getting pretty good with the bow & arrow method of launching.

73, phil, K7PEH