Topband: using vertical from a tall fir tree

[K7lay at aol.com]

I use an inverted L from a fir tree with the apex about 75' up and the tail  
makes up the rest.  I live on a heavily treed 5 acre plot.  The  vertical part 
goes to a pulley close to the fir and the slopes to about 5' to  the top of a 
10 ft 4x4.  4 elevated radials are attached to one of the  stainless steel 
plates advvertised in dx engineering.  The vertical part is  on the East side of 
the tree.  I believe the tree only distorts the pattern  although yesterday 
morning I worked v8fwp (west side of the tree) and that  shows that the 
distortion isn't great.  In about 2 years I have  worked dxcc which is now awaiting 
processing at Arrl.  In addition I  have worked all parts of the world eg 
Antartica, Franz Joseph land, many  Europeans ,Africa so the antenna fires all 
directions and hears well.   At present I use the antenna for transmitting as well 
as receiving. Total worked  now stands at 112.
 
I live in a quiet area but now intend to put in some beverages to make it  
easier to hear.  At one time I had considered using a catenary line and  hanging 
a vertical from it but being lazy just used the present antenna.
 
My final comment is that perserverance and patience make up for a mediocre  
antenna.  Use a tree-the proof is in the pudding so to speak.
 
Bob k7lay



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