[NLRS] $50 W7EC Screwdriver Antenna

[Ford Peterson]

John asks...

> Ford,
> 
> Has anything happened on this yet?
> 
> It's looking like I will be at Aurora on Saturday...I'd at least like to 
> meet you if you will be there.
> 
> 73, JK

John, and others...

I spoke with Hal on the phone about 10 days ago (he has no email and only
does CW on HF).  He's about to ship the first few.  But a new wrinkle just
happened.

He got called up for jury duty about two weeks ago.  He called me to tell me
that he had been pulled into a jury that is set to try some big murder case
in the Seattle area.  So he's been sequestered for a while.  If it's not one
thing it's another!

He also mentioned that the Black and Decker factory didn't have 35
screwdriver returns.  He's asked that we scout around the B&D repair centers
in this area to see if there are any dead battery returns.  I think he's got
15 or so on hand.  This of course is the problem with dumpster diving for
antennas.  We may need to scout out and purchase some.

In fact, I think it is safe to say that a viable solution would be to
purchase a look-alike.  I wonder if Harbour Freight has a cheapie.  I kept
the list of orders in chronological order so the first (as many as he has)
to order up their antenna will get the $50 deal.  But nobody expected to do
35 of them!  The remaining folks may end up buying a motor or at least
providing one.  Heck, even goodwill may have these in usable units.

I don't think I can make it to Aurora this year.  Seems as though a new garden shed roof is scheduled for 8AM Saturday.  Oh well...

Ford-N0FP
ford at cmgate.com