[HCARC] Vertical Antenna Guy Lines

[ALoneStarYank at aol.com]

Lee,
I just got your email...... even though I have their email  blocked, 
sometimes it gets through.
I am no longer a member of the club because they were censoring  my posts 
even though none were inflammatory or negative.  As an FYI, I have  done 
installs on probably 100 antennas of all different types. If I had to buy  an 
antenna, any GAP product would be my very last choice of antennas.  They don't 
last long in areas of high winds, ice storms or freezing weather.  They are 
very flimsy. They also require many more ground radials than suggested  for 
decent operation, especially when your wavelength gets longer such as in 80 
 and 160 meter operation. On 160 meters, it is a piece of junk. I have seen 
them  twist like pretzels. If anyone wants to work 160 down here, they need 
a large  (over 370 ft) loop, a beverage receiving antenna or other type of 
160 meter  antenna and not a multi bander. The ground conductivity is 
crappy, no matter  what stats you show me. Theory and real-life are two different  
animals.
 
All of my "Jump Team Boot Camp" supplies, antennas, extra rigs,  etc. were 
shipped to the New York area a while ago to help with the  hurricane Sandy 
emergency communications so the course I promised I'd give to  the Tennessee 
group will have to wait a while.
 
73
See ya at the NWS for Skywarn Weekend,
Bob  W2IK
 
 
In a message dated 11/24/2012 2:45:06 P.M. Central Standard Time,  
lee at besing.com writes:

Recommend considering some pre-event preparation, if the soil is  hard 
where you want the anchors.  I.e. trickle water the areas to soften  the top 
portion of the soil for a few days prior to drilling. 

Of  course,  I presume that the location of any potential underground  
utilities is known to the owner as well. I had local utility company come out  
and mark my backyard, and that's what told me I didn't have room for my GAP  
Titan antenna.

I know some hams that use the technique with a water  hose into the hole, 
while using a Hammer Jack impact drill on a grounding rod  to force it in. 
The combination of the water & the pounding / twisting  action eventually got 
it all way down into the ground.


Lee Besing,  N5NTG
210-771-7075 ( voice/text)



-----Original  Message-----
From: Gary and Arlene Johnson  <qltfnish at omniglobal.net>
To: HCarc at mailman.qth.net
Sent: Sat, 24  Nov 2012 11:07 AM
Subject: [HCARC] Vertical Antenna Guy Lines

Gale  Heise showed me some really neat Kevlar guy lines he uses on his  
antennas.  Seems like a great idea - no rust, sun proof.  I didn't  ask him 
what he uses for the anchor/stake on the earth side of the guy  line.  Is there 
a particular type of stake, concrete block buried, screw  stake like for 
tying up dogs, or what???

With my BIG DRILL that is 24  inches long and drills holes 1 5/8" in 
diameter, putting in sections of  T-posts at the proper angle with minimal effort 
might be the best idea.   In fact, next week when the installation of the 
Gap Voyager antenna happens, I  can bring both my drill with the big bit and 
with the 36 inch 3/4" bit to the  party.  I can also bring my metal but off 
circular saw to cut metal  posts/tubing as desired.

Gary J
N5BAA
HCARC Secretary  (2013)
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