It Must have been a temporary thing... I tried several times about 1/2 hour apart, and I kept getting the URL not found error... However the next day things worked just fine.
I've been to the site now, and it looks like a very FUN project (in spite of the learning experience) I can't wait to try some things. (this from the guy who attempted to load a mile and a half of ELECTRIC FENCE (uncharged of course) Really astounding how much signal one can obtain/radiate from a wire only three feet off the ground...
Would like to have had a few more details on the feedpoint and balun used (especially on the tape measure) but I really like your presentation on your site.
Thanks for igniting the pilot flame on this topic.
73
I will provide additional information on the feedpoint and balun used as I update the pages detailing the special event. The balun was a coax choke comprised of approximately 6 to 8 windings of the RG-58 around a plastic Folger's instant coffee jar (not really needed - one could just make the windings and tape them together). The feedpoints differed to a small degree from one antenna to the next, but essentially amounted to using a properly sized (or two connected) hose clamp to pressure fit the wire against whatever was being used as an antenna. Samples will be shown. -Erik, n0ew
Just a short note from a new ham (licensed 1 1/2 years).
What a GREAT idea and event! I hope to be able to contact you, but whether I
am successful or not, I really do appreciate something interesting, slightly
off the wall and fun.
73
I would like to see you evolve this into a world-wide, annual
strange antenna event! Perhaps you read the article
in April 2003 QST (p. 49) about a Mississippi club that
loaded up a bridge! Ive worked hams using everything
from rain gutters to barbed wire fences! Imagine
ANYTHING: a crane boom radiating a signal which is
received on a metal sculpture in a museum! Imagine,
too, what a STRANGE way to introduce ham radio to
the public. So instead of just your station having the
strange antenna, imagine receiving signals from a
vast array of other strange antennas. Come up with
a cool award certificate, charge 5, and make a fortune!
73
We were really excited to see the announcement for your special event
"Strange Antenna Challenge"!
My name is Tim, N9PUZ. I'm the list owner for the "Live Wire" group hosted on
Yahoo. Our purpose at Live Wire is to encourage, discuss, and promote the use
of unusual antennas and to participate in "PortaVentures", a termed coined by
our founder Dave Hatch N9ZRT. A PortaVenture is a mini-Expedition to a fun,
unique, or out of the way place that's typically a lot closer to home than
the exotic places frequented by DXpeditions.
We would welcome any and all of you to subscribe to our list. More details
can be found at the following URL...