Monthly Archives: October 2013

5BTV radial wire system

I put together a radial system for my 5 band trapped vertical antenna. I’m using (32) 16.25′ radials, soldered to a 10 gauge bare copper wire. The copper ring will connect to the 3 bolts at the base of the vertical. For wire, I purchased a 500′ roll of underground dog fence wire at Home Depot. Each wire will be buried just below the surface in a star burst pattern. I used the ARRL antenna book to calculate the optimal radial system for the amount of wire I have.

5BTV radial wire

5BTV radial wire

Posted in B's Blog, N0BCB Tagged , |

Blue Sky Marathon 2013

Erin and I helped with the Indian Summer North aid station at the Blue Sky Marathon for our 4th consecutive year on Sunday.  Erin was the race photographer, and I helped with radio communications.  It was a fun day, with great weather.  I made a time-lapse movie that covers roughly 7am to 1pm, looking West from our aid station.

 

Posted in B's Blog, N0BCB Tagged , |

Homemade shock cord whip Part 1

I decided to try making my own shock corded whips for my Buddipole system. There are a couple of good reasons to do this. So far I’ve purchased all parts at 13″ or less to keep the Buddipole good for travel. The Buddipole whips look nice, but they’re 22″ long and are expensive.
For about $50 shipped from quest outfitters in Florida, I purchased (18) 13″ Easton 0.340″ tent poles. My plan is to machine brass adapters for a tight slip fit between sections, and a 3/8-24 brass adapter for the versatee. All parts will be held together with 1/8″ shockcord. This will give me a set that can be used as a dipole, or as a vertical with my RAK. More updates once I start turning metal!

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Posted in B's Blog