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Re: [CQ-Contest] Going from 50 to 70 ft.

To: "'Ralph Bellas'" <k9zo@hotmail.com>, <cq-contest@contesting.com>
Subject: Re: [CQ-Contest] Going from 50 to 70 ft.
From: "Rex Lint" <rex@lint.mv.com>
Date: Sat, 20 Mar 2010 17:12:32 -0400
List-post: <cq-contest@contesting.com">mailto:cq-contest@contesting.com>
Ralph,

You might also solicit the TOWERTALK reflector

      -Rex-
 
       K1HI
       Rex Lint
       Merrimack, NH 

-----Original Message-----
From: cq-contest-bounces@contesting.com
[mailto:cq-contest-bounces@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Ralph Bellas
Sent: Saturday, March 20, 2010 11:17 AM
To: cq-contest@contesting.com
Subject: [CQ-Contest] Going from 50 to 70 ft.


Folks,

 

I'm beginning to frame up an article for the July/August NCJ  "Contesting on
a Budget" column.  The topic will be to look at the benefits, costs, and
considerations associated with raising a tower from 50 feet to 70 feet.
Here are some of the thoughts I have:

 

Benefits:

You will hear and work dx which was previously unavailable.  My estimate is
that you will add an S unit.

Occasionally get to run dx, especially during non-contest times.

Be able to raise your lowband antennas.

Add the possibility of mounting a tribander in a fixed direction to add
contest flexibility.

Possibly decrease RF in your shack and get rid of unresolved problems.

 

Considerations:

If you live in a hill, or have a good view, perhaps there will not be as
great a benefit.

Now you always must use proper safety equipment when climbing.

Perhaps this is the time to replace coax, or go to a bigger antenna.

It becomes more noticable

Is a permit required?

You will need to locate a gin pole for the last few sections.

Could your signal be worse to certain areas?

 

Costs:

Probably you will be moving away from the simple house bracketed tower and
will have to add real anchors and guy wires.  
You might have to relocate the tower and use two sets of guy wires.

Two sections of tower, turnbuckles, clamps, rotor cable, coax, tape

 

 

If you have been in the situation where you have raised your tower I'd love
to hear from you and learn what you came across.  Thanks.

 

Ralph

K9ZO
                                          
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