The Activation that Wasn’t

Wednesday, July 23rd turned out to be a great day. So after a morning of
cutting grass the XYL says “Let’s go to the park.” Those of you who really know me
wouldn’t be surprised that I had four different antenna systems in the back of the
vehicle just ready to go. Off to Colonial Dorchester we went. That’s where things really
started to happen. 1st off, the operating table was confiscated and put to use as a
craft working station. (Thank God for tailgates!)

THEN THE BIGGIE! I had all that HAM gear but ended up leaving the R A D I O at
home. So, what do I do now. While Velma enjoyed the afternoon, I spent it putting up
and testing antennas. I was so impressed by the SS17 that Jan used at the Hunley
event that I tried to duplicate it using what I had on hand. Yea. It worked great on the
analyzer. I had a 1.5 or less across the 20M band using the CHA Mil Whip and Mil
Whip Extension. With time to spare, I added my CHA Mini and was amazed to
discover I had 1.46 or less on all bands 80 through 12M with 10M being the
disappointment at 4.6. 6M was 3.2. The lesson learned. It takes a little longer to set
up but if I’m not doing a RADAR, I think I have found the antenna I will be using for the
foreseeable future. No stopping to retune when chasing POTA.