[SECC] 30 Meter Antenna Ideas

[ku8e at bellsouth.net]

  Hi All...

   Recently, I decided to go and finally update my DXCC records and see how many
 counties I still need. I gave up on serious DXing years ago... I think it was
 about the time that packet came around. It was just no fun having to deal with 
 unrulely pileups and poor operating. Plus, I have never have had what you 
 would call a competitive station, with big antennas. In Ohio, I had some
 mono banders, even though they were not very high, and an amp, which 
 helped. Right now down here in GA , I am stuck with 100 watts and a zepp at 40
 ft. Not the best antenna for DXing....

   Anyway, it turns out I need just 25 counties or so to have them all. It turns
 out that two of them - BQ9P and VK9CD - Cocos Keeling are on the air now. Both 
 have had a pretty marginal signal on all the bands. The best signals I have 
 heard from BQ9P has been on 30 meters in the morning. The pileups have been 
 brutal and I am just looking for an idea for an antenna to put up to stand 
 out. I figure 30 meters is my best chance to work them since there is a power
 limit, plus it seems to be the best path for me. I was thinking that 
 maybe a wire vertical or maybe a half square might work good. BTW.. I sure 
 would be interested in what K8MFO is using ??? It seems like he gets through 
 on the first call on every band I hear him on.

 Any ideas ???  This past weekend was an exercise in frustration trying to work
 these guys.... I should of just given up and gone back to working the PA QSO
 Party !!!

                    73 Jeff  KU8E