weather baloon antenna

[KC8TCQ]

myself and another amateur were kicking around the idea of getting a surplus weather baloon, and using that to hang a wire vertical antenna next field day maybe even full wavelength 160m (would have to figure out a blinking light for the baloon).

We also talked about hanging a 2m omni from a weather baloon, and feeding it with ladderline for less weight and greater height for 2m simplex experimentation.

Any thoughts?

[M0GLO]

Take a look at this months QST, they discuss exactly this scenario.

Seems to work really well except the guys who are doing it say don't use weather balloons, they are too thin and tend to break when tethered.

They did a full size loop using on 6-8 foot balloon at the apex and 40" balloons at the 2 corners with a 40" at the feedline attachment point and every 10 feet along the feedline.

They claim exceptional results.

[K1OU]

They claim exceptional results.

Ever see a QST article that didn't?
:think

[M0GLO]

Nope, can't say I have! :lol:

Under ideal conditions, an inverted vee @ 120 feet at the apex on 40M would be kick a$$ regardless what QST sez.

[N3ATS]

My QST antenna article was never published. :cry:

Bastards.

[W4KLB]

:nosey: i like antenna stuff always makes me wonder what the heck was he smoking ??
i find for my use that the more simple stuff seems to work the best but i'm from 4 land :think

[WV6Z]

the more simple stuff seems to work the best

That's because it in fact does, at least for the long haul Kery. Have you noticed that those with SteppIRs, Sturba Curtains and such ALWAYS seem to have a simple dipole or an OCF dipole? Me thinks it's because the more intricate or complex anything is, it's more prone to failure. ;)