[GVARC] Antenna Lift Tests for 300gm He Balloon

[Pat Barthelow]

Folks,

Many of you missed a great event at the Festival of Winds in Marina.
Great time, great Station, great Kites, Great Fellowship..

AND The results of an experiment to determine how much antenna and 
transmission line weight can be carried by a standard 300gram latex helium 
weather balloon.

We lifted a 40 meter 1/4 wave 18 guage magnet wire, attached to some RG 58, 
about 50-60 feet with a single balloon, and it was near it's lift 
limits...two balloons would be quite adequate, to lift a vertical HF dipole 
for 40 meters, with an RG 58 transmission line.

However,  I learned that Helium is not cheap...Prof Doug Miller says a 
standard cylinder  of Helium costs about 60 dollars, (for the contents) and 
will fill about 5-6  balloons to about 4 ft diameter.  10 dollars, per 
balloon...ouch!

BTW.....can anyone tell me how helium is collected in useful quantities for 
industrial use?

73, de  Pat aa6eg@hotmail.com

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