[Lowfer] UWL Progress

[Eric Smith]

WooHoo!  I actually got my antenna aloft last night at about midnight -- I 
can't believe it!  30' 3" ID PVC and a 4' radius tophat.

The tophat has approx 75' of wire in it -- 8 x 4' radials (4 x 5/16" 
and 4 x 22 gauge) and 4 x 22 gauge skirts at 1', 2', 3', and 4' radius.

There were only two of us:  me and XYL.  She stood back while I raised the 
antenna and then rushed in and held it while I secured it.  I couldn't see 
the antenna as I was raising it, but it felt very noodle-y, and she 
confirmed that with gasps of disbelief.  We both thought I was going to 
lose it, but I made it.

Hope to finish the loading coil today and be on the air TONIGHT!

You can see the pictures so far at 
http://www.nutstreet.net/radio/projects/lowfer/

Thanks to everyone to whom I owe getting this far.

Wish me luck with the coil,
Eric