This was fun.
At first we needed to join the aluminium sections of the mast that was to be used. These sections were 3 metre in length and each section fitted into another like a telescopic mast. Bolts were tightened and we had ourselves a 9 metre high mast.
When we were ready, a 1:1 current balun, the required RF coax cable and the antenna wires were fitted to a fitting at the top of the mast. Three of the "newbies" then raised up the mast (one ensuring the mast did not move from its allocated ground position and the other two doing the work. The remaining newbies were making sure the antenna wires did not become a nest of wire as well as providing all the necessary advice that one needs whilst raising the mast.
With the mast secured in its place and antenna wires positioned, the other end of the RF coax cable was fitted to a SWR meter which was then connected to the radio that we had to use.
A low RF power settings was set, radio set to CW mode and the SWR values noted at a number of frequency positions across the 40m band. From the collected data we each had to determine if the antenna length needed to be decreased or increased. With our all having the correct answer, the task was now to trim the antenna wires. Much advice was given by the those "newbies" who were observing.
With the task now complete and our lecturer was happy.
Well the day arrived when I finally purchased a secondhand radio and needed to get on the air. Well I used the same design, the inverted-V, as I knew it worked.
I have since progressed from that day and have learnt more about other types of antenna from fellow Ham Radio operators.
Bottom line, try as you have got nothing to loose.
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| Mast 9m and 40m Inverted-V I use a pulley system at the top. |
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| My first dipole for 10m. At this position made a contact with India !!! |
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| My current pulley arrangement. Works for me !!! |
The dipole is now set for 15m and can be manually positioned with thin nylon rope in the direction I wish to transmit / receive.
