Over the holidays, I got the 20M NE/SW loop back in the air and added
another 40M delta loop pointed NW/SE . Went by a book's dimensions without
doing the math. Needless to say, I added 3ft to the loop to make it
resonant at 7.150. I'm hopeful of this one as the feedpoint is about 1/4
wavelength above ground and the loop is positioned in an inverted triangle
setting.
Regarding the "launch vehicle," I use a Zebco 33 reel with 17 lb. test
Spiderwire, and a Wrist Rocket slingshot. I extended the reel beyond the
end of the slingshot with a dowel rod. This keeps the line from getting
hung up in the slingshot or spinning reel. I use the Spiderwire because it's
light and STRONG. Normal 10 -12 lb test line breaks easily, and anything
larger (20 - 25 lb test) slows down the release significantly. If anyone
wants a digital pic of my setup, let me know and I'll get that on the wire
to you.
I have 8 wire antennas up in the yard using this setup. Clearing a 90 ft
southern pine is no problem-oh.
Words of caution with this setup:
If you get the line hungup in a tree, use heavy (thick) gloves to pull on
the line. It will not break like normal fishing line; and you will cut your
fingers to the bone.
I use an overhand-loop knot on the line for quick removal of the sinker (
3/4 - 1 oz bubble sinker). If you do this, put a wrap of tape around the
sinker/knot. I have cringed a couple of times when I released the line and
it went about 20 ft and there was no sinker on the line. Hearing large thuds
on neighbors' roofs from flying sinkers a few seconds later can be somewhat
embarrassing.
The surgical tubing will eventually dry-rot and will have to be replaced.
Also you might get cuts in the tubing from the line. Be mindful of this as
well.
With southern pines, occasionally (once a month or so) give your ropes a
pull / release. This will keep branches from growing over your ropes.
Oh, I tried the golf ball - eye screw set up ONCE. I had a 1/8 inch nylon
cord tied to the screw and got it hung-up in a tree. After many attempts to
pull the line down, it released, ball and all, - right into my chest. I
didn't realize the amount of stretch in the cord and the pine branches, and
the amount of potential energy stored up. I was rubbing that bruise for a
number of days. I'm very fortunate that I got hit in the chest and not a
few inches higher (throat, mouth, nose, cheek bones, eye, head). I WOULD
NOT recommend this method.
73 es happy tree hunting.
Roger ...
KA9EKJ
All wires, all the time
-----Original Message-----
From: secc-bounces@contesting.com [mailto:secc-bounces@contesting.com] On
Behalf Of Daniel L. Jeswald
Sent: Wednesday, January 05, 2005 2:36 PM
To: SECC
Subject: Re: [SECC] Re: improvements
I use a sling shot and a couple of tear drop weights tied together with some
fishing line. Then tie nylon cord to the end and pull up and over. Best
I've done is a 60 footer that way.
Biggest problem is the tree rats. But I find a Chinese pellet rifle works
well for that.
Dan/W4NTI
----- Original Message -----
From: "archie mckay" <arcub@alltel.net>
To: "SECC" <secc@contesting.com>
Sent: Wednesday, January 05, 2005 10:29 AM
Subject: [SECC] Re: improvements
>A couple of you have mentioned getting lines higher in trees. David
>has a problem with thick foliage. Try using your spinning rod or bait
>caster with a golf ball for a weight. I put a eyelet screw in my golf
>ball to tie on the line. The ball is just about the right weight to
>shake down through limbs and leaves and I have yet to lose one in the
>trees.
>
> Only improvement here has been new and improved coax all around.
> Archie, K4GA
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> SECC mailing list
> SECC@contesting.com
> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/secc
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