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2007 KØS
Field Day 07

2007 KØS Strange Antenna Challenge

May 26-28, 2007

The KØS Strange Antenna Challenge encourages operators to use antennas other than regular wire and pipe.  Stations other than KØS may operate as satellite stations.  Tony took up the challenge and went on the air as N3KTA/KØS.

You can find more information about the challenge by going to:

http://www.n0ew.org/k0s/

This site also has pictures of past challenges as well as a wonderful antenna field manual for the rookie ham radio operator.

Below is Tony's submission to Erik, NØEW, of the 2007 KØS Strange Antenna Challenge:

Erik (NØEW),

Attached are some images from my small contribution as a K0S satellite station.  I loaded up on a stove pipe coming out of a 15 foot brick chimney that ventilates a furnace.  I used the nearby metal gutters as a counterpoise.  I employed a breakout box and the sports drink bottle choke balun.  The band conditions were poor in NW PA that weekend so it was hard to judge it's overall performance.

However, the night before while I was testing I made a contact with W4DR (26-May-07 on 5371.5 at 0056 UTC) in Midlothian VA, about 400 miles south of my QTH.  I was 59, him 59+10 w/ 50W.  I also attempted a 10M qso but
the signal was too weak.

On 29-May-07 I made contact with W3ORU (him 59/me 49+10)at 0036 UTC on 5346.5 w/ 50W.  He was in West Chester, PA, about 300 miles Southeast of me. 

Equipment:
Heath SB-1400
Dentron Jr Monitor Tuner

Loaded up on 60M best w/ 1:1 match using tuner, 2.5:1 w/o.  I loaded up on other bands but did not make any contacts.

The conditions were poor plus I didn't have a lot of time to devote to the K0S challenge this year but I am excited about next year.  I will definitely get more people involved on the next go around.

Thanks for doing this great challenge,
Tony
N3KTA

This is my KØS antenna.

This is the breakout box and sports bottle choke balun connected to the vent pipe and metal gutters.