Hello Mike..
At 03:35 AM 10/24/97 +0000, you wrote:
>I was thinking of a 160 meter verticle antenna using a helium balloon
to
>erect it, for "quick setup"
>I am stumped!
>How big helium does it take to lift 1 lb.?
>with this information I could figure out how big of a ballo i need, I
think.?
>Better yet, if someone else has done this, might they tell me how they
went
>about doing it, this would be the best type of learning I think. I am
>realatively new to 160. allthough I am not an everyday 160 guy, I am
>looking for advise for operation there. Actually what i want to do is
>increase my qso's there in contests.
>Are beverages required?
Mike, I suggest that you contact Ron, WA7UQV Ron sells a complete
Top Band Helium Balloon Kit.
<color><param>0000,0000,ffff</param><<WA7UQV@mci2000.com>
</color>The kit includes: 4ft Balloon,128.5 ft Radiator,Four Radials,
Balloon Filler Device and various other items with full instructions.
I have not used this kit but did the research on balloons and
think this is the simple way to go with above ground radials.
As for beverages, Next to a multiple element arrays with gain the
beverage will enhance your DX totals on 160 and 80 mtrs best. (remember
the old saw, If you can't hear'm you can't work'm) The 130ft vertical
with elevated radials and a KW will allow you to be heard by the DX
(if you got propagation)...How ever, that same antenna will not
necessarily allow you to hear the DX...There are alternatives, EWES,
Low dipoles, loops, etc., but we are talking about properly installed
beverages.
Dependant on your location, You can have a lot of fun and work 50, 100
or more countries with a compromised antenna system. However, I don't
know any Low Band DXers with high 250 plus DX totals on 160 that don't
have investments in both receiving and transmitting antennas.
I highly recommend since you are new to Low Band DXing that you
subscribe to <color><param>0000,0000,ffff</param>The Low Band Monitor.(PO
Box 1047, Elizabeth, CO. 80107)
</color>LBM is published monthly by Lance Johnson (I think the price is
$28.00
a year, first class mail.)Johnson also sells a Compendium of articles
for $ 24. which is worth every penny if you are interested in 160 mtrs.
The Sept.97 issue of LBM has a great article on beverages called,
Phased Beverage Primer. I like LBM because the articles are practical
and concise about actual antennas. NO long mathematical discussions and
computer models that have never been built.
I believe this publication is the best buy a Low Band DXer can get
for the money...(No, I have no financial interest in the LBM)
>Is a full size verticle the best way to go?
No, a properly installed Four Square would be better...if you can
afford it and have a XYL that thinks towers are as beautiful as
you do.
Hope this helps Mike.. I worked over 45 years to get the land for my
baby farm...ANTENNA FARM, that is...Good luck and Good DXing..
73, Jack K4IBP ...-.-
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