ANTENNAS and THE SUN

Well as of today it looks like the numbers are looking better for a change as I compose this SN is 138 A index is 5 and K is 1.....Enjoyed some DX on both 10 and 15m this morning hope it holds out for a few days as I would like to chase some DX on RTTY this weekend.

From my past posts you all know I have antenna restrictions where I live and I have tried very hard not to let that put a damper on my love for the hobby. I have done some work arounds that have been ok and even better than just ok...I did not like the idea of attic antennas as they cause so many RF issues such as.....setting off the smoke alarms, turning on the dish washer, tripping the GFI's in the kitchen oh yes and in some cases inflating and deflating our air bed.....

This was not a constant problem but each band seemed to have it's favorite appliance to fool with.
I decided to install another vertical antenna ( have one hidden a flagpole) in the back yard in plain sight and see if I get any complaints....what's it hurt to try?

This is just an old Hustler 5BTV which I have found to work pretty well for what they are. I first painted it OD green so no shiny aluminum in the yard then installed radials which the flagpole is lacking on, it only has one for each band due to it's location....

So guess my point is see what the neighbors will accept ( I will let you know if I get busted) it has been up about a month and no complaints yet! The test will be when the leaves fall and it will be more visible....we will see..... : )

So no matter your situation try hard to get on have fun and 73....

RTTY CONTEST

Well my second try at RTTY contesting proved to be much harder than the first. My first try was a NA contest which seemed to be laid back and a good time to get my feet wet without to much stress....
Well my second try was the CQWWDX RTTY contest hummm....I told my friend for a new guy it goes like this....you put on your bee keeper suit wade into the swarm of bees and try to catch just one with a pair of tweezers...I give to the experienced RTTY contester my total respect you guys are the real deal. Due to family obligations I did not get to spend all the time I wanted to with the contest but as it turned out it was enough....

I managed to work some DX and some U.S. stations and I thank them for being good operator's and having the patents to work me, as I was screwed up about half the time with wrong macro clicks and the like....I have a renewed interest in RTTY and look for DX almost every day in the RTTY sub bands, and will no doubt jump in to another contest.

Thank you to all the great RTTY ops that taught me allot this past weekend I admire you all. RTTY being one of the old modes is great fun, and I recommend it to all who have not tried it or who have been away from it for a long time like me..... so if you are tired of the everyday digi modes give RTTY a try.....A great bunch of guys operate the mode and will be polite, and helpful to you.

RYRYRYRYRY...get on have fun and 73....Jim K7JAN