[UK-CONTEST] Wire antennas slung over trees

[gm4fam at tiscali.co.uk]

Andy 

A lot of good advice from the sages on the Contest Reflector.

I also have used trees as supports for the last 30 years - the English 
Birch and Oak south of the border and now the Scottish Conifer.

Let me add some more suggestions:-

1) Try and ensure the throwing area is dry underfoot - if you use 
lightweight nylon line its surprising how the moisture will add to its 
weight on repeated throws.

2) Clear away any surrounding debris including fallen twigs and loose 
branches - if there is only one lying around it will attach itself to 
the line and cause enough drag to affect the height of the throw.

3) Always 'scatter' coil the line on the ground between you and the 
tree (never behind you) - it will have less distance to travel and 
won't get caught up in your foot (you are aiming to get the weight over 
the branch not yourself!).

4) I use a fishing weight with thin orange line - a throw similar to a 
cricketer's bowling action is usually quite accurate.

5) Obviously you need to aim as near the trunk as possible - more 
strength in the branch and less movement of the branch in high winds.

6) The suggestion for taping the thin nylon line to thicker line is a 
very good one - if you get that magic throw right at the junction of 
the branch and the trunk the space will be too small for a big knotted 
join.

7) If you have the space its not a bad idea to have a couple of 
practice throws first.

8) Use as thick a line as you can where it is in contact with the tree 
and down to the tie point - the heavier line has obvious advantages 
here and will last longer (lighter line can be used between the tree 
and the end of the antenna to lessen drag down).

All you need now is some good wx!

Good luck

73 Cris
GM4FAM



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