(none)

[Bruce StJ C Gilson]

SUBSCRIBE Bruce at g4wvx.demon.co.uk

>From Morao Esteban <z801183a at bcfreenet.seflin.lib.fl.us>  Thu Aug 18 01:35:50 1994
From: Morao Esteban <z801183a at bcfreenet.seflin.lib.fl.us> (Morao Esteban)
Date: Wed, 17 Aug 1994 20:35:50 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: Looking for operator?
Message-ID: <Pine.3.89.9408172028.B12070-0100000 at bcfreenet.seflin.lib.fl.us>

Hi
If you are seeking for an operator eaither for expedition or contest, pse 
e-mail me.

73 de Steve W4/YV5DTA
z801183a at bcfreenet.seflin.lib.fl.us



>From ken.silverman at atlas.ccmail.AirTouch.COM (ken silverman)  Thu Aug 18 03:13:03 1994
From: ken.silverman at atlas.ccmail.AirTouch.COM (ken silverman) (ken silverman)
Date: Wed, 17 Aug 94 18:13:03 PST
Subject: 160 Meter J-Poles - Kites - Baloons etc.
Message-ID: <9407177771.AA777172383 at atlas.ccmail.airtouch.com>

I first sent this to Victor, but then thought it might be 
interesting to all.  My point of view is from launching a 
balloon from a dx-pedition site.  Usually materials are hard to 
get, are expensive, and most power lines are ABOVE ground.


Victor,

Sounds FB, but you are going to have many obsticles to overcome 
first.  I've tried to organize a baloon many times from a number 
of different countries/expeditions, and never got one up for the 
following reasons:

1)  Helium Balloons/blimps do NOT fly well with any type of 
breeze/wind (which you stated was normally present).  They tend 
to blow over very easily.  (watch out for those power lines!)

2)  If you purchase a new blimp, it runs hundreds of dollars.  
The weather balloons I have cost $45 back some 8 years ago, but 
are difficult to anchor the line to, and dont have a big lift 
weight.

3)  Try getting helium where you're going.  You can get some??  
Well, now try to get AFFORDABLE helium.  A typical tank overseas 
will run you $250 and up.  You will buy the full tank of helium, 
even if you dont use it all.  All helium is imported from the 
USA.

Regardless of the balloon, they all should have a dead weight 
lift specification.  Make sure you calculate your wire and rope 
tether weights correctly.

Kites:

No direct expereince, but should stay aloft during any kind of 
breeze/wind.  Best starting point is an article in Antenna 
Compendium II, though it may be in the first Compendium.

Not to be a bummer, but we've tried on numerous occasions, and 
came up blank on this one.  If you found a way to beat the 
system, would love to hear about it. 

Regards, Ken WM2C

ken.silverman at atlas.ccmail.airtouch.com