Check out this video on the Windom 40 Antenna from Chameleon Antenna. This antenna is an off center dipole that was specifically designed for 40, 20 and 10 meters. In the right condition, an antenna tuner is not needed for these three bands. It is an extremely lightweight antenna and extremely quick to deploy.
I see a big failure point here. There needs to be a solid pin or bolt to connect the pulley to the yardarm. A white Ty-wrap will deteriorate via the Sun UV and thus break---down comes the antenna! And use gray colored schedule 80 PVC pipe which is thicker and paint it with white water based latex paint for UV resistance. Bruce N7XGR
Bruce is exactly right about the ty-wrap. Max of a few years, depending on how much strain it is under. I work with ty-wraps every day on OSP fiber cable.
I'm sure it works pretty good for what it's intended to do. I use ty wraps for temporary portable antenna's, but not for permanent installations. If this is a portable antenna I would just make a loop at the top of the pole out of a piece of rope, feed the leader rope through the loop and then hike it all up to the top of the pole. I wouldn't bother using a pulley or that extended pvc pipe arrangement at all. Just too much mechanical stuff in that photo that looks like it could either get hung up, or break under stress. The antenna itself looks like it's well constructed. Beefy UV resistant waterproof housing, a serviceable balun, and strong high quality wire.
Thank you for the schedule 80 PVC suggestions! I will surely be making those changes The zip tie was a temporary fix. Yes, this is a temporary setup. I am getting a more solid support system for this as well instead of a rickety painter's pole.
Another cable tie expert has entered the room. Glad you clarified the temporary nature of the cable tie. Especially the white one. I am a retired marine service engineer, and was surprized as to how many shipboard electricians did that out on weather decks. But it enabled me to sell them a lot of broken antennas. Hi.
its amazing the companies selling ham gear will stoop soo low as to get hams to push the junk gear they sell! overpriced,junky antennas!
First off, NO company has ever asked me to make a video. I make them because I enjoy it. I live in an antenna restricted area surround by stucco, and one thing I can honestly say about Chameleon Antennas is that they have NEVER let me down! Despite the suck band conditions that are going on right now, I am still able to make contacts. If I ever have an issue or question about any of the Chameleon Antennas I own I need only write a quick email or place a phone call and I get the help I need from the owner!
Thnks for watching! The nice thing about Chameleons Antennas is their ease of use. They are easy to set up and tear down and light weight!
Well, since the "Ty-Wrap" experts are here, it's really spelled "Ty-Rap" and it's a registered trademark of Thomas & Betts. I couldn't help myself! Sorry.... Brian www.trueladderline.com
Thanks for the vid and report on the 'ANTENNA". I have had good luck with Chameleon antennas. You do what you can do, to get on the air form a restricted or limited space platform. Adios
