1999 -- 2000 LHVHFS Antennas & Tower Project

Well, after more than a year in the planning, the tower's finished, a new antenna's in place, and we now have 2m, 2m-digi, and 6m all from the top of the tower. Well, the digi and 6m ARE a little bit below the top, but not by much!
Ok, so here goes with a brief summary. Photos to follow...and, if things work out, we'll have video clips, too.
First....the specs:
Antenna
Type
Gain dB
Diamond Model # X-700HA
Dual Band
[2m - 70 cm]
9.3 [2m] -
13 [70cm]

Feedline
Hardline
Loss
Model
LDF4PNF85
1-inch
None measured
Overall, we've gained some in elevation, too. The tip of the new 2m antenna is approximately 90 feet above ground. That's about 10 ft. higher than the previous Diamond. Coupled with added gain, this should give us considerable improvement in over-all coverage.

And, from initial indications, the improvement seems impressive! On a recent "mobile hamvest" as W3SII likes to call the occasional sojourn to AES in Cleveland, we experienced only one signal drop-out [dropping through the cut at Oakmont as you approach the Ohio River Bridge on the turnpike. Once we were beyond the Rte 28 overpass, our signal picked up again, and remained in the machine until milepost 20 [8 mi. West of Cranberry, Exit #3].

Mark, W3ISI, also noted that the repeater coverage was exceptional as he traveled from Uniontown west and into downtown Waynesburg. We should note that ISI & SII remained in QSO through this entire "trip" with the coverage remaining remarkable. WB3EUC also joined in this initial test of the new set-up.

In your travels, try out those dead areas to see if the coverage has improved. And, be sure to pass the word around, ok?

Ok, so enough about the performance! What about the site and the maintenance project itself.

W3ISI & Tower
Ok, Mark, lift on Three!!!! [W3ISI]
N3ASE
Our ActionCam Reporter, N3ASE
N3ASE & AA3SO
John, there's a "Mousketeer behind you!
Ready to Go!
Bob, W3NBN, supervises. Frank, WB3EUC, & Rich N3KEJ at the ready.
N3ASE
John, N3ASE in Denny's, N3QZU's lens.[N3ASE]
The Tower
No, guys.....Don't stop THERE!!!

Tower w/antennas
Ah.......! A sight to behold!!! Great Job, Gang. Now, let's hook 'er up!!!

LHVHFS

All photos above are © 2000, Denny Kifer, N3QZU.