On Saturday 9th August there was a working bee at Mt Graham to replace the 2M antenna. Attending were Nick VK5NJS (tower climber extraordinaire), Leith VK5FLAR (safety climber plus), Peter VK5BE (organiser and analyser operator) and John VK5DJ (tuner of cavities).
Originally we decided to change the coax and the antenna, however after testing with the club’s analyser and a dummy load we found the coax to be in good condition. It was only necessary to change the antenna. This involved removing the existing assembly, install the support pole and the dual dipoles that make up the antenna. The pole was positioned to improve signals to South, West and North filling in the gaps of VK5RMG, VK5RNC and VK5RKN.
The antenna tested very well and has resulted in much improved signals in the Millicent area with Tom, Lyndon and John reporting large improvements. I believe that Jack will also see improvements at Southend. Signals are down in Mt Gambier which is not surprising as the leg of the tower will be masking in that direction. “Good signals to Kingston” reports Tony VK5ZAI
