[TowerTalk] Trapped in antenna trap confusion

[Jim Lux]

-----Original Message-----
>From: Richards <jruing at ameritech.net>
>Sent: Jun 19, 2008 11:35 AM
>To: Jim Lux <jimlux at earthlink.net>
>Cc: Gene Smar <ersmar at verizon.net>, William Moore <whmoore at sympatico.ca>, Dan Hearn <dhearn at air-pipe.com>, towertalk at contesting.com
>Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Trapped in antenna trap confusion
>
>I believe I once read you tune the longest band element first, and then
>work up to the higher band elements, and then check back on the
>longer band elements, and work through that a few cycles until
>they all seem to work together.
>
>Does anyone disagree with this methodology?



Nope.. thst works.. you can also start high and move low, especially if you've cut long,

Either way, it's fairly tedious (that "work through a few cycles") if it involves hoisting and lowering the antenna.  (At Field Day, we used it for the GOTA station on year, and there, it was easy, because we had 4 people.. one on the meter, one on the hoisting line, one on each end of the antenna.  took about a minute per iteration, so in 15-20 minutes we were done)

Doing it with just the SWR meter and rig is quite tedious, esp if its the kind where you have to "set" the fwd power reference (like my old FT-757)

One advantage of this kind of antenna is that it's truly a scrounger's delight.  All you need is some wire and duct tape.  (Why yes, that essential tape that serves as wire separator, and center strain relief/mechanical connector, AND as something to cover up the bare wires where you've twisted them.)