Dennis Schaefer wrote:
>
> In Wal-Mart, I saw a "party balloon kit". It was 25 nine-inch mylar
> balloons and a small helium tank.
>
> Surely 25 small balloons would support a wire of some kind, and all it cost
> is $15.00. There is probably a little excess helium capacity in the tank,
> anyway.
>
> Will this work for Field Day? Has anybody tried a similar scheme? What
> kind of wire? How long? How long did it stay up? (even if you didn't
> use Viagra)
>
> 73,
> Dennis, W5RZ
Dennis,
USECA, who has placed in the Top 10 overall in Field Day for the past 4
years have experimented with many balloon and kite schemes. You may
have seen some pictures of the 160 Delta Loop that was supported by 2 or
3 surplus WX balloons!
Word to the wise! There is a voltage gradient as you go higher above
the ground. This gradient is increased when the wind is blowing!
You'll get a healthy poke if you are not careful! The antenna has to be
grounded, so the voltage induced on the antennas is not discharged to
ground via a body or the rig!
Good luck, and be careful!
--
73,
Floyd Soo, W8RO
President, HI-RES Communications, Inc.
Net Manager, Collins Collectors Assn. #002
QRP-L #392
hires@rust.net
http://www.rust.net/~hires
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