[UK-CONTEST] Wire antennas slung over trees

[Alex GM3ZBE]

I borrowed something called a Game catapult which was pretty good for firing
a thin line up over trees.  I think any dark colour is less visible, you are
normally viewing it against the sky.  (and no, you don't want blue wire!).

I used stranded because there is bound to be a lot of flexing, you can't
really allow the wire to come in contact with the branches though, it will
soon wear through any covering insulation.

Everybody has their pet methods but that is how I did it here.
73
Alex

-----Original Message-----
From: uk-contest-bounces at contesting.com
[mailto:uk-contest-bounces at contesting.com] On Behalf Of Andy Swiffin
Sent: 04 March 2008 10:25
To: uk-contest at contesting.com
Subject: [UK-CONTEST] Wire antennas slung over trees

Sorry, slightly OT, but it will be used (almost) exclusively for contests
:-)

My forthcoming new QTH  has some goodly high trees which look like they
would make excellent aerial supports.  I know some of you utilise these
natural masts too.   What kind of wire do you use - does it have to be
plastic insulated?  What gauge, solid or stranded?  What cunning techniques
did you use to get it up there (I saw Fred Dibnah on the telly using a bow
and arrow to get a line over a tree- goodness knows what for tho').   Is
there a consensus on the colour of plastic wire which is least visible?

Sorry, I know these are not really contesting, but  I know that some of you
here have done this and with the right answers I will be a lot more QRV in
future contests :-)

73
Andy
gm8oeg


_______________________________________________
UK-Contest mailing list
UK-Contest at contesting.com
http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/uk-contest