posted 10/26/06
On Wednesday afternoon, 10/25/06 Bill, KA8ZBW's antenna system that has been an ongoing project finally neared completion!
To check out the previous work you can go to "KA8ZBW Tower". This work was started with the digging of the hole back in 2002! Bill has been working on the project as he had time and as he accumulated materials and when he had crew to assist with those activities that could not be done by himself. Wednesday's work puts the final look on the tower, however, as we all know, there will undoubtedly be some kind of future projects. However, at this time there are none planned.
Lou, N8KXM was the top man who's first chore of the day was to turn the tri-band beam 180 degrees as it was pointing the opposite direction that the rotor was indicating! The second chore was to install a side arm which would support the G5RV antenna and then have the ground crew (KA8ZBW and WA8ZWJ) support the dipole ends. Third chore was to install a side arm bracket with a 2 meter Isopole antenna that will be dedicated to APRS activity. Finally, the last item on the list was to install the 6 meter Ringo antenna above the existing TV antenna.
All of the outside activities went smoothly and quickly. What really slowed progress down was installing connectors on the feed lines. Keith, WA8ZWJ said "I have never seen RG-8 type coax that was as tough to work with as this mil spec stuff Bill has!" It took the team over 2 hours to install one Type N connector and one PL-259! "It seems as though the center conductor is fused to the insulation. It just won't let go!" said Lou, N8KXM.
Looking at Bill's Antenna Farm starting at the top is a dual band antenna for 2 meters and 440. Then there is the tri-band HF beam on 10, 15 and 20 meters. Next is the side arm support for the G5RV. You can see the ladder line going down beside the tower and one of the dipole elements looks like a jet stream across the sky. Next on the lower left is the 2 meter Isopole for APRS. Finally just above the TV antenna on the lower right is the 6 meter Ringo antenna. Yes, there is quite a bit of local activity on 52.525!
There are four more coax connectors to be installed to finish the project. Bill has ample capabilities for expanding HF antennas as particular needs arise as he develops his new ham radio horizons! The antenna switch for HF antennas has 6 more ports for expansion. It won't be long and you will be seeing a new shack shot for Bill's new station.
The crew and their gals enjoyed a fantastic feast at Elsa's Mexican Restaurant following the afternoon's activities!
