What the Tower Beared

I worked on the log periodic antenna and got it back into shape physically, but due to the rainy weekend, I could not test it electronically until today. I tested it on 2 meters and the SWR was great across the whole band.

I was very surprised. I thought that that antenna was a goner, but now it is a keeper.

I also checked out the rotor today. It worked, but very noisily.

I lubricated it and that quieted it a lot. All it needs now is new clamps and hardware.

Bare Tower

Yesterday, I cranked my 55-foot telescoping tower down and stripped everything off of it. I cannot recall the last time I did any maintenance on the tower, but there was some rust that made the job more difficult.

Since I was at it for about five hours, I did not have time to closely inspect the log periodic, but a quick estimate indicates that it may not be salvageable.

The 40-meter dipole is in the trash now.

I also have to replace one of the guy wires.

The coaxial cable is in good shape and the rotor still works, but needs new clamps as the old ones' names were "rust."

The weather is heavy rain today, so I may drag the log periodic into the garage for a closer inspection. 

Surfin': Google Earth Radio Tricks

This week, Surfin’ features guest columnist Mike Schaffer, KA3JAW, of September 7 Surfin' fame.

Surfin’: Logging Periodically

This week, Surfin’ can begin antenna maintenance now that the trees are out of the way.

Surfin’: Whacking Radios

This week, Surfin’ discovers a new way of fixing radios.