https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uPV6HnMOwqM
Source: Comparing a 1/4w Trap Vertical with OCF Dipole on WSPR! | QRZ Forums
Using a WSPRlite device is a really good way to compare the performance of two different antennas. You can see where in the world your signal is heard on each one. Check it out!
Fred, AB1OC
Several folks have suggested that it would be interesting to see a tower climbing demonstration. It turns out that we need to climb our tower to do some routine maintenance before winter comes. This seems like a good opportunity for folks who are interested in learning how to climb a tower and work on it safely.
Ever wonder what’s involved in safely climbing and working on an Amateur Radio tower? Here’s your chance. On Sunday, October 15th at 1 pm we will be holding an open house and tower climbing demonstration at our station.
We have two sets of climbing safety gear and we’ll provide the opportunity for those who want to try it on to do so. I am going to climb our tower to the 45-foot level to do some maintenance on our weather station. Anita and I will be explaining how to safely climb and work on an Amateur Radio tower.
We will also provide an opportunity for folks to get on the air at our station and make some contacts as part of our open house. Our station will be configured for you to try SSB Phone, CW, and digital modes including the new FT8 mode. You can try any or all of these modes. We’ll be QRV on all bands from 160m – 70 cm. Power levels will be from QRP up to the legal limit.
We hope that our club members and friends will join us for our open house. It should be fun!
Fred, AB1OC
Our August “Tech Night” featured a Saturday visit to the Matt Strelow, KC1XX’s superstation. Matt’s station sits on top of a mountain in Mason, NH.
Our visit began with a tour of Matt’s antenna farm. Matt has a total of 13 towers and each one has a unique story and purpose.
Matt’s tallest tower is used for 80m as well as other bands. It is painted red and white and has a light on top!
Several of Matt’s towers are rotating ones with some serious tower turning hardware at the base.
Rotating towers use a special type of guy attachment ring which allows the tower to turn while being supported via guy wires.
Matt has built an extensive infrastructure which supports all of the antennas at his QTH. The picture above is a small building where all of the feed lines from Matt’s antennas enter his station.
After the tour of the antenna farm, we saw the KC1XX “shack”. Several of us had a chance to operate Matt’s station. How’s this for QRP Dennis?
Abby wasted no time in building her usual pile up. It easy to see why KC1XX has a pile up whenever they are on the air after just a short time spent operating from there.
After a great day of fun and lots of picture taking, See the gallery above for more pictures. Matt treated us to refreshments and some more conversation about his Amateur Radio experiences.
All of the members who made this memorable “Tech Night” had a great time and we’d all like to thank Matt for his gracious hospitality. We learned a lot!
Fred, AB1OC
