30 Mar 2008

ANTENNA WITH 'MIND OVER MATTER'

Antenna damage at M0BKV QTH

The MA8040 Cushcraft antenna at my Cornish cottage was subjected to some tuff conditions in the storms over the past few weeks. The weakest link was a plastic ring cleat that just could not take the continuing gusts day after day. Be warned ( it was not a part of the original antenna). The antenna stayed up amazingly after my 3 guy ropes were no more with a slight bend in the lower section of the 27ft high antenna. To survive the 60 to 80mph gusts must be a miracle but it went on to work another 40 or so countries on 80mts in the CQWW SSB contest the last week in March (with new guy ropes). So if your thinking of a new antenna then it's well worth considering this small piece of hardware. It's very lightweight but exceptionally strong but only for the low bands (80 & 40mts).

Damian M0BKV