[TowerTalk] GIANT HELIX and HARP (SPG thanks too)

[WarrenWolff at aol.com]

I tried to post this earlier, but believe it got messed up.

First of all, thanks to the many who have commented on SPG's and associated 
grounding philosophy.  Lots of help and ideas garnered.

New Item:

I know not where else to ask this question; so here goes:

The latest issue of CQ Magazine addressing HARP  brings to mind a 30-year old 
question.

Before I got into the intelligence business, I was OIC of
NAVAIDS at a SAC base, Walker AFB NM (now non existent).

Out near my VOR site, NE of Roswell NM, on an adjacent hill, I could see a 
VERY large helix antenna.  For sure it was a very large helix, if I could see it 
from 4 to 5 miles away.

The only publicity about this facility was an article in the local newspaper, 
addressing a night guard (USAF-type) accosting an
intruder who bumped him with the intruding auto--causing the
airman to shoot himself in the thigh!!     We all knew better. Yep;
the airman was bored on his night duty and was practicing quick
draws with his 45 cal pistol.

So, my NCOIC and decided we would go over and visit the facility, uninvited.  
The site OIC was a second lieutenant who was cordial enough during our 
intrusion.

Up close, to the best of my recollection, the helix only had a couple of 
turns over a length of about 50-60 feet.  The center suppport was one or more 
telephone poles!!

The conductor was a pair of large, copper tubes strapped together and fed by 
very large coaxial cable.  The reflector screen rested on circular rails so 
that the entire thing could be rotated.

I asked our tour guide if the antenna could operate on the lower ham bands to 
which he replied, "Down to at least 14 MHz!"

Nearby were a pair of orthogonally, vertical metal reflector screens.  About 
10 feet away from the reflector screens were small (10 foot high) vertical 
antennas fed by smaller coax lines, apparently to steer the receiving direction.  
The airman said they were called "tulip antennas".

The OIC had a very large 4CX-type power tube sawed in half as book ends on 
his desk.

I spied a door with "Transmitter Room" on it.  It was ajar.  I peeked inside 
as someone closed the door in my face.  I had time to see I saw a Collins 
transmitter with windows on the front panels.  There were four of these EIMAC 
tubes glowing the classical cherry red.

So, can anyone tell me if this was an early OTH site?  Or what?  I was not on 
the air at the time so I never cruised the bands to see what I could hear.

The year for this observation?  1962-1963.  I am sure all but the most 
intricate details have been downgraded to unclassified by now, after 40 years.  Most 
of the super secret stuff that I used to do is all online now.

Regards,  Warren, W5KKW