[GVARC] (Ham) fesival of the Winds

[Pat Barthelow]

Folks:
Here, next to the Monterey Bay, we are having a ham demonstration
event, on Mother's day weekend,  May 10th and 11th.  The Event is
called Festival of the Winds, in Marina, overlooking the Monterey
Bay.  (At Gloria Jean Tate Park) (http://www.marinafestival.com )  There are 
expected about 8-12,000 people and lots of exhibits, food booths, a Science 
tent, and all kinds of wind related activities, particularly Kites.  The 
Navy will be there, supporting our ham activity, by furnishing balloons and 
helium, to support our HF antenna.  It was suggested
that we might be able to lift with a weather balloon,  a modest 20m
inverted vee with RG-174 Coax sufficiently high to produce some
contacts.  The Vee wire,  will double as guys or anchors in the
wind.   I am looking for anyone who wants to join us, in person, to
participate,  or who might have some RG-174 coax for the inverted
vee.  Also, anyone with experience in balloon or kite supported
antenas, with tips...(Thanks for those that already have been
directed our way!)

We have a suitcase portable station, using an FT 817 and various
accessories including antenna tuners and small gel cell batteries.
The facility will have AC generator power if needed.  It would be
interesting to have a Echolink demo also.  There is a
Science-Education based group (MESA) that will share the tent with
us, with interesting exhibits.  One is a Department of Defense Brain
Trust at NPS that will fly their DOD research project, what can be
best described as a radio controlled, powered, dragonfly.  First
working model..for the future, think about the DOD needing to do
reconnaisance inside a building. Micro sized TV, sensors, etc.
All are invited to see the Festival, and welcome to participate in
the Ham Side or Science Side of things.
Check in with us soon.
73, DX, de
Pat Barthelow aa6eg@hotmail.com




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