Thoughts on High Voltage Remote Band-Switching for 630 and 2200 Meters
We are into the noisy part of the 2021/2022 season in a year in which sunspot numbers are increasing (see Figure 1 for JH3XCU’s analysis of the general relationship between sunspot numbers and DX openings on 630 meters) and that means it’s time to start thinking about projects that need to be completed before the next season begins on September 1st.
At my station, I am looking for a competent local “drone” pilot who can drop a couple of slipknot lines over the top of my vertical following a couple of ice storms this winter that left a slight bend in the top 30-foot section. Back in 2015, the last remaining line at the top of the vertical (not associated with the top-loading wires) broke and I used a large helium balloon from the local party store on a windy day to secure a pair of new lines relatively near the desired location. Fortunately, the missing lines at the top of the vertical only present an issue in the presence of ice. Using balloons for the task can be challenging but not impossible. However, the ability of a drone to hover and move with precision under the control of a qualified pilot makes that approach far superior. Taking my vertical down really is not an option now because I would have to cut down a forest to do
