Topband: UK: Balloon antennas, where to get balloon and gas

[Herb Schoenbohm]

Chris,

Weather Balloons are available from Fair Radio Sales and Edmund
Scientific from reasonable prices. Hydrogen has greater lifting power
and is available from most industrial gas suppliers by renting the
cylinder and returning it when your project has concluded.  Floral and
party supply stores that sell balloons also can point you in the right
direction on who supplies their helium.  Some will warn you that
hydrogen is very very dangerous.  This myth, in my opinion, was a post
1938 Hindenberg lighter than airship hype. Hydrogen is now a alternate
fuel source for modern design future automobiles. Actually it burns
upward and is less dangerous than regular petrol.  It is significantly
cheaper than helium and will lift the antenna somewhat better than
helium.  You might consider guying the balloon with nylon fishing line
against the prevailing winds for better results.

Good luck and 73,

Herb Schoenbohm, (ex-KV4FZ)
St. Croix, VI


Chris Slater-Walker wrote:

> Can anyone suggest a source of balloons and gas for ballon-supported
> antennas in th e UK?
>
> Thanks
>
> Chris Slater-Walker M0BOP
>
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