[TowerTalk] balloon FD antenna

[Floyd Soo, W8RO]

Dennis Schaefer wrote:
> 
> In Wal-Mart, I saw a "party balloon kit".  It was 25 nine-inch mylar
> balloons and a small helium tank.
> 
> Surely 25 small balloons would support a wire of some kind, and all it cost
> is $15.00.   There is probably a little excess helium capacity in the tank,
> anyway.
> 
> Will this work for Field Day?  Has anybody tried a similar scheme?  What
> kind of wire?  How long?   How long did it stay up?  (even if you didn't
> use Viagra)
> 
> 73,
> Dennis,  W5RZ

Dennis,

USECA, who has placed in the Top 10 overall in Field Day for the past 4
years have experimented with many balloon and kite schemes.  You may
have seen some pictures of the 160 Delta Loop that was supported by 2 or
3 surplus WX balloons!

Word to the wise!  There is a voltage gradient as you go higher above
the ground.  This gradient is increased when the wind is blowing! 
You'll get a healthy poke if you are not careful!  The antenna has to be
grounded, so the voltage induced on the antennas is not discharged to
ground via a body or the rig!

Good luck, and be careful!
-- 
73,
Floyd Soo, W8RO
President, HI-RES Communications, Inc.
Net Manager, Collins Collectors Assn. #002
QRP-L #392
hires@rust.net
http://www.rust.net/~hires

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