I have been working on my Hi-Q 3/80 antenna the last few weeks, since it came in. Since this is not a $20 hamstick, I want the install to be right so I can get the advantages a big screwdriver-ish antenna can provide.
I am waiting on some ferrites from Hi-Q to come in so I can think about running power to the tuning motor. I have two different length whips to top it with, which I am hoping will give me some flexibility in band coverage.
One of the whips is a 72" stainless steel from MFJ - when it is on the tip is 12' 5" off the ground! Watch out trees!
Anyways, while I am obsessing over getting this install right, I haven't been operating HF, until today when I decided to tune it to 20M and see if anyone can hear me, so I'll know I'm in the ballpark at least. I use a little 12V power supply to move the coil around, and I got it on 20 without too much cursing.
I was able to work K1TG, Roger in Connecticutt and W7GVE, Ed in Arizona in short order, with decent signal reports even though the A factor today is 7 with zero sunspots (that means 20 is in bad shape, for those who don't follow the solar tables), so apparently the 3/80 will throw some stuff into the sky.
Now I just need to run the control wiring, work on stiffening the mount, mount the UNUN I bought for it, work up a control box for the motor switch, look into getting a cross-needle power meter so I know when it's tuned ...
Be back later. Stay tuned (tuned - get it? Ha!)
Posted in Operating by WA5ICA at September 9, 2007 01:31 PM