The OB5-10 is ready for mounting. SWR looks fine, high power balun installed.
vrijdag 28 juni 2024
OB5-10 almost ready
donderdag 20 juni 2024
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:
- Have a decent monoband yagi for contests.
- Easily switch between different bands for rare expeditions.
- 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...
maandag 10 juni 2024
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 :
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjURlE6THE_VFfnJYSlZQhERSP1MgPrHLj4diUkSNMcmCNX4gLBGtTaBmoFC1zolHir05AcpRiZLZNW2Se1vjYOH0j9rPk6fa5N5ONbwfML2EaVPnkdZ-BrH74OANlBrTLHKEwaSAVcwuCmYmdkxVh8RYDn9B9-Y8hnuBQG7KS2PJJpXcxshHppKU4nB1Y/s1600/2024-160-raw.jpg)
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.