2005 KØS, Kurt N. Sterba Strange Antenna Challenge

David Wagner, K3LGM
Springtown, TX
Horse Trotter Buggy
Vertical Antenna

Vertical Antenna Made from a Horse Trotter Buggy
 
Primary Element is Alligator Clipped to Buggy Springs
 
Closer Look at Spring Feed Point
 

    Well, it was raining so badly on Saturday that I didn't get a chance to do anything until Sunday afternoon. Keeping in mind that you are supposed to use stuff that isn't ordinarily used for an antenna I got to looking around and found the cart my wife uses to drive her miniature horses under a tarp and found some metal siding under some other stuff behind the fence.

    I decided this may have some potential, so put it together and, using an LDG balun I got in Dayton, just used regular wire and one C-clamp for the siding and alligator clip for the cart (don't have any ladder line).

    Anyway, tried it out with the FT897 using battery power (only 20 watts out), and wasn't really getting anywhere. Then I started hearing things. Either the bands are improving or this thing has really great ears!

    MFJ analyzer showed SWR to be 6.8. Good thing I got that LDG 897 tuner - can handle up to a 10:1 SWR. Took a break and later put in the power supply. Now up to 100 watts.

    On my second call, the special event station for the Indy 500 came back to me and gave me a 58 into Indianapolis!!! Shortly after that I did hear you on the air with the chicken wire dipole. Called a couple of times, but you faded out before I could get through.

    Just for fun, here are the SWR readings I got using an MFJ analyzer:

    Thought you might like to see it:

    Will be sending in my log for that one contact shortly, Thanks for sponsoring the event, and 73 for now.

          Dave K3LGM

Thanks Dave, you're right, this is a lot of fun to see. Thanks for playing radio with us this year and maybe we'll get to catch you on the air next year!
Erik n0ew