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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72" style='word-wrap:break-word'><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'>Bob Glorioso W1IS (<a href="mailto:W1IS@ARRL.org">W1IS@ARRL.org</a> is a really great resource on this subject. He lives in Stow, regularly attends PART westford meetings. He will also be giving a talk at the Ham Expo next weekend on exactly this subject. Also with OCF antennas, don’t mix and match design elements. It doesn’t work that way. Use the whole recipe or do the math and make sure your own will work.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'>There are also some great books available from the ARRL. I suggest that you read the sections on grounding and lightning safety very carefully. My favorite scheme is one that involves a copper or aluminum plate in the side of the house which is grounded itself. The feed lines are connected to pass through connectors on one side of the plate. On the inside, the feedlines are left disconnected and on the floor when not in use. Grounding for safety, grounding for counterpoise, grounding of mains circuits are different subjects and should be kept somewhat separated in practice. All in those ARRL books.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'>I would be happy to come and look things over. I can also bring some portable antennas (and transceivers) I use in HF if you want to play and see how that goes in your QTH. I also have gear for getting wires and ropes high up in trees. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'>-73-<br>W1GCF<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'>Geoff<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div><div style='border:none;border-top:solid #B5C4DF 1.0pt;padding:3.0pt 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"'>From:</span></b><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"'> bars [mailto:bars-bounces@w1hh.org] <b>On Behalf Of </b>Wayne Geiser<br><b>Sent:</b> Wednesday, August 24, 2022 1:29 PM<br><b>To:</b> bars@w1hh.org<br><b>Subject:</b> [bars] Setting up my first station<o:p></o:p></span></p></div></div><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I think it is finally time to quit procrastinating and get an HF station set up. I’ve been mulling it over for some time and think I have a plan.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Step one is to get an antenna in the air. I think I have a good place to hang a 7 Band OCF dipole in some trees.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Before I start to spend money on this, is there anyone with skills / experience that can offer their opinion about my site / plan? A visit is probably in order (I live in Tewksbury). I can bribe you with homebrewed beer! <span style='font-family:"Segoe UI Emoji","sans-serif"'>😊</span> I also have no experience in getting the antenna where it is to live, so I’ll be looking for help with that as well.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Thanks, in advance, for all help, advice, and encouragement.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>73,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Wayne, KC1ONM<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"A man is not old until regrets take the place of dreams." - John Barrymore.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>