My husband, ham call sign KDØQKK, is setting up a temporary wire antenna so he can listen to the HF bands transmissions, particularly the ones associated with the hurricane Sandy. The hurricane watch net is tied into the National Hurricane Center and provides weather reports. This allows the center to have up to date information. If regular communications go down, the hams also provide services such as passing messages, Emergency Operations Center (EOC) damage assessments and other communication needs to first responders, etc.
He strung this temporary antenna because his current antenna does not resonate at the proper frequency for these bands. He promises it is only temporary! It goes out the window, across the decking, feeds to the upper porch and across the lawn . . .
over to my cattle fencing that had been supporting vines in the side garden.
He will be moving his equipment downstairs to the basement which will make it easier when he erects the real antenna which has special grounding needs. It will be 50 ft tall and 106 feet long. He is doing an inverted V which means the antenna will be as long but not stretched out straight. The ends will be 10 ft off the ground. It needs to be kept away from people when transmitting because it's high voltage.
It will be behind the house but won't be visible from the street since we are on top of the ridge and it drops off pretty much as you get away from the street.
It will be interesting hearing the first hand reports.
We are not in the affected area but for any of you
that are and have chickens,
here is some advice from The Chicken Chick
as you prepare to protect your flock.
Stay safe!
2 comments:
Your ham radio will help a lot of people. Hopefully the storm won't cause any damages to you or the homes around you. Stay safe.
What a valuable service he is providing!
I do sense a "ham" theme from you today though! ;-)
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