I like the one on the left. 🙂

Great write up! Well done.
de NY6C

We drove by there on our way up to Orkney in July. We’ll have to check that out on our next visit!

Since I’m using the 8’ Carlson tower, 3 are sufficient.

Finally got time to raise the antenna. It’s at about 40’. I used a boom lift to simply lift it up and place it on the mast. Worked well for my situation.

It’s just wire and fiberglass poles – very light and flexes with the wind. For maintenance, I can just go up to the antenna with a boom lift and do whatever is necessary.

It has an internal antenna tuner which is good. It would also be good for portable operation (like in a vehicle) because of the detachable remote head. Only issue is 20W output versus 100W. It would be a solid buy.

Almost looks new – yes, Kenwood has a very good reputation. It’s definitely a good radio to start with.

Is it a Kenwood TS-130? If yes - people have really liked this radio.

www.eham.net/reviews/view...

A really good vintage rig is the Yaesu FT-1000D. It was Yaesu’s flagship rig back in the day, but you can find them used for a reasonable price.

Since it's not a 'full-size' tower, guys are needed. The guy rings on the Rohn pushup mast allow it to be rotated while it's guyed. Very economical (and quick) way to get a beam on the air! I've been away on vacation, so I'll finally have it fully up and working in a few weeks. I'll post some pics.

...a 34' Rohn pushup mast here:
www.dxengineering.com/parts/roh-9h50. I'm guying it with Mastrant rope: www.dxengineering.com/parts/MSG-MM...
The rope is plenty strong enough and extremely durable.

Let me know if you have anymore questions. Send some pics of your install when you're done!

Hi Phil - for my Carlson tower I dug a hole about 30" deep at 48" x 48". In the hole I put 3 foot 3/8" threaded galvanized rods (can get them online at Grainger). I tied the rods together with wire and rebar and then filled it with concrete. For the mast I purchased ... (see next post below)

Great conditions here in California as well. I was able to work into Scotland, France, Italy, Kuwait, etc. A lot of good DX at the moment.

de Greg NY6C

Ham radio has MANY different ‘sub hobbies’ :
- People hike summits to broadcast from (known as Summits On The Air SOTA)
- Emergency preparedness
- Shortwave DX (seeking contact with far away stations)
- Satellite communications
- Local VHF/UHF using broadcast repeater systems

Underrated hobby!

Good for you. It’s not that difficult once you get the hang of it. Good luck with it!
de NY6C

I walked into the shack, turned on the radio, checked a few bands, and then saw the solar data and immediately turned off the rig and walked away. 🙂