OB5-10 almost ready

 
The OB5-10 is ready for mounting. SWR looks fine, high power balun installed.

Blue arrow : rectangular boom adaptation to fix a OB2-40 element

Red arrows : mounting holes for a Steppir element

My new antenna project : integration of Optibeam and Steppir

Because I am gradually preparing to leave the city and return to the countryside—where my station is set up—I have started a new project for a more efficient antenna system.

I will keep the mast and rotor, as well as the mini-tiltplate.
This means the tiltplate can handle a maximum wind load of 1 m² and a maximum antenna weight of 35 kg, and the telescopic mast can handle an antenna load of around 1m² during heavy weather conditions.

My new plan is as follows:

1. Have a decent monoband yagi for contests.
2. Easily switch between different bands for rare expeditions.
3. Minimize the effort needed to switch between contest and expedition goals.

Therefore, I came up with the idea of installing an Optibeam5-10, a decent monobander that meets the requirements. 
This one can be converted into a 5-element yagi on 15m or a 4-element yagi on 20m. The 7,5m boom can easily be extended to about 10m to meet the 15m/20m requirements.

I use the same boom to mount the 3 motors of the SteppIR and to quickly install the 2 elements of the Optibeam2-40.

I'm still looking for a solution for the OB1-30 dipole.

In this way, I have three different antennas using the same boom, which can remain mounted. I only need to lower the mast and switch to another system in minimal time.

Technical/mechanical preparation has started with the positioning of all possible element on the boom.

To be continued...

CQ 160m contest 2024 result

After the neck-and-neck race during the 160m contest, things didn't look so good. The raw scores indicated a second place, a consequence of my early stop on Sunday.

Raw scores : 

However, after calculating the penalty points, the result turned in my favor and I secured first place. 

The 160m band is particularly sensitive to making mistakes.
More so than in other contests, deciding whether or not to log a contact is part of the contest strategy.

Final result : 

It's always nice to compete with other compatriots. It's a pity that there are so few active Belgian contesters in CW.