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

[Edward Swynar]

Hi Ralph,

This is totally unsubstantiated with any personal "...blood, sweat, & tears"
on my part, but I recall reading somewhere years & years ago (the "NCJ",
maybe...?) that in order to experience any detectable/noticeable benefit in
making your tower taller, you have to at least double the existing height...

Increments of one, or two, sections just doesn't cut it, apparently...

...But I defer to the real-world experts reading this who have first-hand
practical knowledge & experience in all this...!

~73~ de Eddy VE3CUI - VE3XZ


************************************

--- Original Message -----
From: "Ralph Bellas" <k9zo at hotmail.com>
To: <cq-contest at contesting.com>
Sent: Saturday, March 20, 2010 10:17 AM
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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