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3B9C 40m Fun |
 Pictures
of the day: 40m radials, before and after.
Eric, K3NA reports on 40m operations.
"On Sunday, we enjoyed two long path openings on 40m.
At 1200z, almost two hours before our sunset, 40m opened long (skew) path to
the USA, with 59 signals from as far east as W1. This is an excellent time
for XE, W6, W7 and VE6-7 to work into 3B9. West coats was workable for
almost five hours.
Later, 40m continued to be open for more than two hours past our 0156z
sunrise. W5, W4, W3 and W6 were worked on skew path over southern Africa,
plus some European countries direct, Africa and South America direct, and
KH6ZM on long path one hour before his sunset. The last QSO was with ZS6UT
at 0356z." de K3NA.
 We have had some intermittent problems with the 40m four square antenna. The
thought was that the connections in the central unit were wet. However, the
answer was somewhat more visible.
The radials from each of the antennas are set about 5ft (1.75m) above the
ground. In the centre and in each quarter, the radials cross. When the
radials were set, insulating tape was wound onto each radial where they
cross. However, it was discovered that the wind had blown the radials
together and the RF had been string enough to burn off the insulating tape.
This causes the radials to rub together and spark.
 Some creative action was required and Tony G0OBP, Nigel G4KIU and Paul EI5DI
set about the solution. Using several empty plastic bottles, insulation of
the radials was solved. Although not part of the instructions for building
the four square, we will see the addition of plastic bottles as part of our
standard kit for future DXpeditions.
Amateur radio can be fun and creative!
Go to Tuesday ->
Go to Tuesday ->
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