2005 KØS, Kurt N. Sterba Strange Antenna Challenge

Logging Chain Vertical

Logging Chain Vertical
 

Overview

    The first "strange antenna" we tried this year was a "logging chain vertical" (really a flat bedding chain, but I figured more people would be familiar with the phrase "logging" chain). The idea was to haul one of the chains up to the tree branch (about 20-feet height) and use the other chains as a set of ground radials.

    Sounds good on paper, but there were a few troubles in the field. Namely, there was essentially no real resistance. We think this is due to the high resistance *and, yes, some rust!) between each link in the chain. Sort of a "weakest link" example run amok!

    At the least, the chain requires having the surface rust removed and to be well oiled. I think this will allow the chain to behave as a vertical, but there is no guarantee of course.

    We did not attempt any of these corrective actions during the special event. If we do so by next year we'll give it another try. For those of you with nice shiny new chains, you may wish to give this a go!

Log for C.W. Dipole

    There are no logs for this strange antenna because we did not use it.

Connections

    Here you can see the radial chains. The idea was to connect them all together and then to the shielding of the coax, while the coax center conductor is to be connected to the primary vertical element.

Ground Plane Connections
 

    Perhaps somewhat surprisingly, this has actually been our first total failure. We have however had some strange antennas in the past that did not perform very well.

    Hope to catch you on the air next year!

    -73- Erik n0ew