[Lowfer] LEK-RIP?

[Bill Ashlock]

Lyle,

The Loop Group submits the following reasons why we believe you should 
reconsider your plans to discontinue Lowfer operations:

You are the standard bearer for not only the 'vertical cause' but for ALL 
Lowfer activity. You have make significant contributions not only to the 
technical side of Lowfering, but have been instrumental in maintaining the 
1w by 50ft playing field that makes this such a great sport. Your web site, 
full of good technical information and projects is second to none in terms 
helping those from beginning to many year of experience. Your unique 
modulation ideas are fabulous to watch. .. And lastly, your LEK antenna has 
set a standard for performance. In spite of it's short life in terms of 
loopyears. :)

We therefore recommend your new antenna design be set up a dual part 15 and 
136k operation. We're sure you can come up with such a configuration. 
............Besides 136 could be a long wait!

73
The Loop Group


>A moderate ice storm with severe winds took down all of my wire antennas 
>last night, including the LowFER transmitting antenna. The LEK flat top had 
>been in continuous service for a little over ten and a half years. I guess
>the loop folks are right after all -- those verticals just aren't reliable!
>By the way, LEK was transmitting during last night's thunderstorms, as it
>has for the past several summers.
>
>So far the actual damage looks fairly minimal. The top hat spreaders are
>intact; it was just the top wires that failed. The support mast is still
>standing, although the guy ropes are severely stretched and the mast is
>leaning over at a crazy angle. Unfortunately the wind hasn't let up and the
>freezing rain is still falling. If the support mast survives, it's just a
>matter of lowering the halyard and replacing the wires. Probably time to
>replace them anyway; even the super-flexible multiple-strand copper wire
>gets tired after a while.
>
>Other casualties of the storm are a flag pole that is now flat on the
>ground, and an ornamental windmill which threw half of its blades before
>freezing to a stop.
>
>I've been planning to modify my LF transmitting antenna for the 137 kHz
>band, and this seems like an appropriate time to do it. That will probably
>mean the end of LowFER operation at this location.
>
>Lyle, K0LR


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