[TAC] Antenna discussion

[ac8w at comcast.net]

All...

RE: BC Special

I remember too...we put it up in relatively calm WX, guyed securely to trees, fence post, etc.  Lots of radials.  It came down -FAST- in rainy, windy WX.  The last 20 foot drop caused by the base slipping out.  No damage except to heart muscle and nerves.   Question is, do we have enough support(s) to keep it up in November(?)  

Yes, it was in a wooden crate (or maybe a golf bag).  This was an aluminum mast antenna...didn't we use the wire version on Saipan...sloped up from the base to the flagpole/lightning arrestor on the elevator shaft and then sloped off to the other wing section of the Saipan Diamond Hotel.  As I recall, no aluminum mast was involved(?) except for the base plate.  Had to go to the roof to manually change bands.

The FP setup did play well, and we were loud in EU on 80 for sure...BUT ... would we still be loud enough from there with the B&W?

With the way band condx have been lately the low bands will probably be very important in the test.

If we take it we should be prepared for overweight and/or extra baggage charges.

Stan, AC8W

-------------- Original message -------------- 

> 
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Hank Kohl" 
> To: "Thumb (MI) Area Contesters (and DX'ers)" 
> Sent: Monday, September 12, 2005 10:44 AM 
> Subject: Re: [TAC] Antenna discussion 
> 
> 
> On 9/11/05, Jeff wrote: 
> > 
> > > 
> > >Is the Battle Creek Special going to go to FP? And how heavy is it? 
> > 
> > If you are referring to the one at N8CC, let me know asap, and I will 
> > check it out and give it a thorough going over. I'm not sure of the 
> > weight, cuz we usually pack other antenna stuff in the golf case with 
> > it. Alone, I don't think it's real heavy. it's standing up out 
> > behind the barn right now, and I haven't put power to it in some time. 
> 
> Yes, that's the one. Is it in good enough shape to take? 
> I guess the question would be --- would it be a benefit? 
> 
> Or would three of the K4TMC metal or fiberglass masts holding a dipole 
> up about 30 - 40 ft work better? 
> 
> I didn't operate 160 or 80 when we took it to FP the last time, so I don't 
> know how effective it was from the yard where we had it set up. 
> 
> Kurt --- do you remember? 
> 
> I remember: 
> 
> 1. It was LOUD on 160. That's what people said when we worked them and what 
> people said when we returned to 8-land. 
> 
> 2. It was a major part of our baggage. It strikes me it was in a long 
> square-sided container with other things stuffed in around the antenna 
> itself. 
> 
> 3. It was securely tied to large trees. During the 60 mph nor'easter, the 
> vertical did the "hula" all night, but was still standing in the morning. 
> 
> 4. I don't remember what other antennas we had at Jean-Christophe's house, 
> but we were running two stations there after dark. 
> 
> > 
> > Also, I told Ted that I would donate a 1K foot spool of parachute 
> > cord to the cause if you need it. It's on a spool about the size of 
> > a spool of #10 THW wire... but a lot lighter! :-) 
> 
> I also have some parachute cord .... it was 1000 ft ..... not sure how 
> much is left. 
> 
> 
> > 
> > We also talked about getting some of those cheapy penlight 
> > flashlights for a buck or two apiece to throw in the various antenna 
> > containers, kits, etc. Sooner or later you're gonna have to make a 
> > trip out in the dark, and having a few mini-flashlights around to see 
> > where you're walking might be handy. Each of you could have one to 
> > carry in his pocket. 
> 
> Good idea! 
> 
> 
> > 
> > Jeff - N8CC 
> > 
> > 
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> 
> 
> -- 
> 'Never argue with an idiot. They drag you down to their 
> level then beat you with experience.' -anon 
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