Topband: : V84SAA

[Gary Smith]

This morning I set two alarms to get up in 
time for the V8 SS, my timer failed to do 
the job Sunday. Nothing heard on 160 & 
then I see they're active on 80. I barely 
hear them but I try, my only V8 was on 10M 
in 91. Then comes that they're on 160 so I 
switch bands. Barely can hear them on 160 
& I'm trying but I see the ALC on the amp 
is bright in the red, not good. 

No HF bands working, showing an open to 
the antenna. A quick test & it's not in 
the shack. Pitch black outside, decide to 
fight in better conditions, pick up the 
cat & go back to bed. 

Come daylight I find out, thankfully, it's 
not the remote coax or worse, the 
Polyphaser Lightning protector at the 
ground rod outside the shack gave up the 
ghost. One of the "non replaceable" tubes 
in it. Jumpered over for the moment, I'll 
back on the air for tonight's foray. need 
to see if I can find/fit/get a replacement 
in there. The SWR is a bit too high, 
doesn't bother the tank or tubes but looks 
like the gas tube doesn't like it.

The best laid plans... We've all been 
there. Hihi

73,

Gary
KA1J