After the installation of the new transmitting vertical, I've been told that
my signal improved dramatically. With the prior installation of the Beverage
antennas, I was all set for the contest, or so I thought.
After beginning the contest and running from the lower edge to the last
signal I was able to copy, I switched over to the Beverages to listen for
weaker signals. NOTHING! A quick run outside revealed that the wires had
broken on both Beverage antennas. I surmise it was due to the flexing of the
supports I used. Anyway, at a high temperature of around +5F, it was far too
cold to do anything about it.
In spite of that, the band conditions in SW MN led to an enjoyable contest.
Not the score I was expecting, but reasonable in light of the antenna
failures.
I really MUST find stiffer supports for the Beverages.
Thanks to those I worked.
73,
Ron, KA9ALC
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