Muskegon ARC Field Day, 1992




I wanted a big signal on 80 meters, using only 100 watts. My answer was to hoist up a Zepp antenna via sky hook (balloon). This was phun and worked very well. I included a quarter wave length of latter-line to keep the high voltage node of the standing wave away from my key, (uncomfortable at best).

The Zepp is an old fashioned design and seldom seen anymore, although it works fine. It gets it's name from the zeppelins which used to trail them aloft.

This balloon, shown about half full, was "overkill".. too big for the job at 8' in diameter. The wind took it away (and may still have it). A 5 foot substitute worked much better.

Nick is giving us "thumb's up". That's Sue's brother Al manning the gas tank. He's not a ham but the kid to the right is: Steve N8QOM.

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