Feedback: Reboot Amateur Radio WhatsApp Group – Reboot Coffee Drink Event 20 July 2019 9am STARS Restaurant, Mossel Bay

MP3 audio version of this report is available HERE.
PDF version available  HERE

The Reboot Amateur Radio WhatsApp Group as well as the Reboot Coffee Drink Event is open to all radio amateurs and prospective radio amateurs in South Africa. All our events are informal and not club related in any way!!

Saturday 20 July 2019 was a cold and wet winters day due to a strong cold front that resulted in gale force winds, rain and snow on the high mountains of the Western Cape. But as they say in the classics the show must go on. Only the “brave” attended the Coffee Drink session in Mossel Bay which was again an enjoyable and successful event despite the low attendance figure.

Those present by way of mind: = 21

Kobus ZS2BBB, Mari ZS1MEH, Hentie ZS1LH, Jacques ZS1WC, Danie ZS1DJB, Dave ZR1OAC, Ettiene ZS008, Christi ZS4CGR, John ZS1ZR, Hennie ZS1IK, Nick ZS1N, Georg ZS1GFL, Chris ZS1M, Casey ZS1AAS, Abe ZS1ZS, Jimmy ZS1RB, Willie ZS2CC, Llewellyn ZS003, Conrad ZS1KG, Andre ZR1E en Johann ZS2BVD.

Those present in the flesh: = 6

Johan ZS2I, Thys ZS1TBP, Francois ZS1Q, Beat ZS1HB, Russel ZS2AHF and Johan ZS1I.

All present were welcomed by the administrator of the Reboot Amateur Radio WhatsApp Group. Once again there was no formalities and the only business of the day was the “Rondomtalie” / “Round Robin”, Mini Lectures/Demonstrations. (Participation is not compulsory! You can just sit and enjoy your coffee and learn.) It is impossible to provide all the finer and juicy details of the event. Moral of the story is to attend each and every coffee drink event.

Rondomtalie/Round Robin:

• Beat ZS1HB Mossel Bay displayed the DIY 2 Meter J-pole Antenna he constructed. He gave and overview of the working of this large and well built antenna. He indicated that this antenna will be used as a replacement antenna for the 145.600 Mhz Danabay Repeater. The J-pole antenna was constructed from 22mm copper water pipe. The antenna is fitted with a fine tuning bolt to adjust for the lowest SWR. Beat confirmed that the SWR reflected iro the antenna is 1:1 at 145.600 Mhz. The attached photos and documentation were supplied by Beat for distribution to any radio amateur who is interested to build such an antenna. After the J-pole discussion/demonstration Beat gave an update from his previous talk on the AIS (Automatic Information System) for ships and how he monitors VHF propogation all along the southern coast of South Africa. This discussion also included aircraft tracking and aircraft scatter. Thys then explained how APRS is used in 18 wheelers to also monitor VHF propogation. Most interesting!!
• Russel ZS2AHF George told the participants that he is busy restoring a grand old Kenwood TS520S HF Radio. He is currently experiencing a problem to locate the “paddle” or “bat-handle” switches (Send Receive, Vox, Noise Blanker etc.) for this spesific radio. One cannot find new replacements anymore. If anybody can help to relocate a scrapped TS520S or 3D printed “paddle” or “bat handles” Russel will be most greatful. Russel is also busy constructing a LED Stand Alone Frequency Counter for this Kenwood TS520S and will keep us updated on his progress in future. Come on guys let us try to help Russel to get this fine old “lady” radio again in a full operational state!!
• Johan ZS1I Mossel Bay displayed the Southern Cape 2 Meter Hospital Slim Jim Antenna. He explained where the name for this antenna originated from. This antenna was constructed by Johan ZS1I many years ago when Isak ZS2I (SK) was in the local hospital in Mossel Bay. He had a HT radio in hospital but was not able to get into the 145.600 Danabay Repeater from his hospital bed. This antenna was taken to the hospital on several occations. Isak was able to communicate with his fellow radio amateurs through the repeater while in hospital. This antenna is still today available on loan to any radio amateur who would like to use it from the local hospital in Mossel Bay. One would find it strange for somebody that was sick in hospital to still speak to his fellow radio amateurs for his hospital bed. Those who knew Isak (SK) would know that nothing was to much for him in life. He lived a full “Amateur Radio” life till the end!
• Johan ZS2I Mossel Bay (Just for clarity Johan is Isak’s (SK) son and he now hold the callsign ZS2I) If Johan tells you that the current sun cycle is near the bottom and responsible for poor HF conditions then you must know that he knows what he is talking about. Johan an avid DX Chaser gave an overview of the current HF band conditions and DXpeditions. He however stressed that there is still openings at times and that one must be patient. He encourage all radio amateurs to call CQ on the bands at any time and not just except the fact stated by so many that the bands are “dead”. CQ CQ CQ.....!!!!!!
• Francois ZS1Q George recently acuired a new 2m HT radio. He wanted to connect this radio to an external antenna but the connector on the radio required a specific adapter which is not locally available in George. This was no problem for Francois and he decided to construct a unique extension cable from parts that he salvaged from other old radios. This extention cable works far better than the advertised connector as it is far more flexable to use and easier to install to the radio. Francois you should patent your extention/adapter cable for future marketing.
• Thys ZS1TBP Mossel Bay. We were all glad to see Thys at the session as his work do not always allow for him to attend the coffee drink sessions. Thys displayed and demonstrated the working of a homebrew USB Soundcard Interface that was designed and constructed by Danie ZS1DBJ. (currently visiting Australia). Danie designed the PCB with an on/off switch, RX/ TX volume controls and a PTT force switch. Thys has been using this unit very successfully on his Kenwood TRC80 and it is working flawlessly.

Other matters discussed by the participants:

• FT8 DX and Normal Modes and Changes.
• Tracking Aircraft and Flight Radar. (ADB-S)
• Interference and rising RF noise levels. It is not going to get better just worse!
• Ship to Shore Beacons. (AIS)
• APRS and 18 wheel trucks.
• Sun Cycle and HF Bands.
• Painted antennas do not work? Is this true?
• How to make the Hospital Slim Jim directional. Wil cleaning the antenna on the one side make it directional?
• Static electricity and HF antennas on large 18 wheel trucks.
• Interference on HF coming from the ABS braking system on large 18 wheel trucks.
• Lightning, static discharge and amateur radio antennas, earthing/grounding, protection etc.
• Short amateur radio related story from the past - 2 meter repeater ragchewing in the Southern Cape (1am to 4am in the morning) by those who cannot sleep at night.

A big thank you to all the participants for sharing their knowledge with us all. Highly appreciated!

Finally: A new coffee drink record (2 hours 12 min) was set during the event. Record? NO attendees just enjoyed themselves so much that time was no factor at all.

I concluded the event by thanking everyone for attending the event. Even though the attendance figure stood at 6 it really does not matter and has no effect on those present. The topics discussed reflected this fact. A great time was enjoyed by everyone!

We look forward to the next Reboot Coffee event which will be held in George on the 17 August 2019 at 9 am. The venue in George will be announced closer to the date.

73

Johan ZS1I

Mossel Bay

21 July 2019

Photos:

J- Pole Construction info - ZS1HB

 J-Pole Radiation pattern - ZS1HB

 J-Pole Plan - ZS1HB

DIY Extension Cable - ZS1Q

 Thys ZS1TBP admiring the work of Danie ZS1DBJ

 USB Sound Card Interface - ZS1DBJ

 The large J-Pole constructed by Beat ZS1HB

 Close up USB Sound Card Interface displayed by Thys ZS1TBP

 Beat ZS1HB with the 22mm copper J-Pole antenna

 The 6 BRAVE men enjoying themselves!!

 The Southern Cape 2m Hospital Slim Jim - ZS1I

 Bottom section of the Southern Cape 2m Hospital Slim Jim

 Snow on the mountains

 Cold cold cold!!

Snow on the mountains - ZS1Q

The 2m/70cm DipYag/Dipole Antenna Project

Update to follow on this antenna.  Be sure to check back soon!!

This project started in December 2002 when I built the 2m Dip Yag antenna.  See post:  http://mosselbaymesh.blogspot.com/2019/06/the-2-meter-diy-dip-yag-antenna-project.html

The DipYag antenna worked exceptionally well but is was only a 2m antenna and I was looking to use a dual band antenna.  I ran into the DK7ZB Duoband-Dipole for 2m/70cm and decided to use the 2m and 70cm design from DK7ZB except that I choose a gamma-match instead of the DK7ZB matching unit.  The gamma match served me well through the years and does have its pro's and cons.  One thing that I like is the fact that you do not need a watertight case to house the matching unit one of the reasons for using the gamma.

I had all the aluminum and parts readily available and the construction was done when I had the time.  Here is an images of the material I used.

Bill of materials:

1.  1 x 1.5m (16mm OD) Aluminum pipe
2.  1 x  535mm (25 x 25 mm OD) Aluminum square tubing
3.  1 x  150mm Coax Centre and Dielectric
4.  1 x  200mm Gamma Rod (10mm) length
5.  1 x  SO239 Aluminum bracket ( 25W x 35L x 45 H mm) hole 15mm.
6.  1 x  SO239 Socket (Four hole type)
7.  2  x 10mm flat aluminum to construct the matching clamp (See images)
8.  8 x 19mm Stainless Steel selftapping screws
9.  1 x 23mm Stainless Steel Bolt + lock nut
10.  1 x 28mm Stainless Steel Bolt + lock nut
11.  2 x TV U clamps to fit installation pipe
12.  1 x 12mm x 15mm x 8mm Aluminum plate
13.  1 x 70mm x 100mm Nylotron (white cutting board)
14.  1 x  30mm x 60mm Nylotron (white cutting board)
15.  2  x 35mm Stainless Steel Bolts + lock nuts
16.  4 x 13mm ID plastic end caps
17.  2 x  21mm ID plastic end caps
18.  1  x 10mm OD rubber end cap
19.  Marine Sealer Silicone
20.  Self vulcanizing electrical tape

I am not going to go into great detail here as there are more than enough info here and also in the links

 

Terugvoer: Koffie Drink - Reboot Amateur Radio WhatsApp Groep – 22 Junie 2019 – Root Koffie op George.

Die MP3 audio weergawe van die artikel kan HIER afgelaai word.

Die afgelope Saterdag, 22 Junie 2019 om 9vm was weer ‘n genotvolle en suksesvolle byeenkoms vir radio amateurs in George by Root-Koffie.

Die “venue” was uiters geskik, aangenaam en ideaal vir gewone asook koue dae met ‘n swart gietyster stofie wat die lokaal net op die regte hittevlak gehou het. Baie dankie aan Francois ZS1Q en Danie ZS1DBJ wat die nodig aanvoerwerk en reelings getref het om by Root te kon koffie drink.

Die byeenkoms was bygewoon deur 12 radio amateurs die meeste nog sedert die totstandkoming van die Reboot Koffie Drink. Die Reboot Amateur Radio WhatsApp groep en sy aktiwiteite is beskikbaar vir alle- en voornemende radio amateurs in Suid Afrika. Sluit gerus by ons aan op die groep en wees deel van hierdie dinamiese groep radio amateurs.

Ek het besluit om slegs ‘n kriptiese oorsig te lewer van die geleentheid. So as jy nie die geleentheid kon bywoon nie gaan jy ongelukkig nie die fynere detail kry oor die samekoms nie. Die rede vir die besluit is heel eenvoudig. Ons soek almal in lewende lywe by die Reboot Koffie Drink. Woon die geleenthede by en kry al die fynere detail tydens die samekoms. Ek praat nie eers van die goeie gesindheid en kameraderie by die byeenkomste nie. Die samekoste het hulself nou al bewys as nie amateur radio polities van aard nie en met geen persoonlike menings verskille of onaangenaamhede nie!! 

Hier volg ‘n kort opsomming van Saterdag se gebeure:

Nadat almal die nodige verslaafde koppie koffie aangekoop het en hulle plekke ingeneem het, het ons sonder enige seremonie of formaliteite die byeenkoms afgeskop, maar meer hieroor later.

Die volgende persone was teenwoordig: Dave ZR1OAC, Hennie ZS1IK, Willie ZS2CC, Llewellyn ZS003, Saney ZR1S, Johann ZS2BVD, Andre ZS1AFB, Johan ZS1WD, Conrad ZS1KG, Francois ZS1Q, John ZS1ZR en Johan ZS1I.  Die volgende persone het verskoning aangebied: Thys ZS1TBP, Kobus ZS2BBB, Nick ZS1N, Jimmy ZS1RB, Danie ZS1DBJ, Abe ZS1ZS en Mari ZS1MEH.

Na verwelkoming is almal teenwoordig bedank vir die moeite wat hul gedoen het om die byeenkoms by te woon in die gure weersomstandighede wat toe nou ook nie so onaangenaam was nie. Ek het besluit dat daar geen Reboot Amateur Radio aangeleenthede bespreek gaan word nie. Die Reboot Koffie Drink is immers ‘n informele geleentheid en nie ‘n formele vergadering van een of ander aard nie. Daar is dan ook sommer dadelik weggespring met die gewilde “Rondomtalie/Round Robin” mini lesings/demonstrasies en lekker gesels. Net soos in die verlede het elkeen wat kom koffie drink het gretig deelgeneem aan die Rondomtalie self die nuwe en ou gesigte wat die eerste keer teenwoordig was.

Hier volg ‘n kriptiese samevatting tov van die “Rondomtalie/Round Robin”:

•  Francois ZS1Q George – Amateur radio almanak van vroeer jare - PEARS VHF/UHF Analoog Kompetisie deelname vanuit die Suid Kaap. 
•  John ZS1ZR George – John was verantwoordelik dat die manne se lagspiere oefening gekry het. Dankie daarvoor John dit het die manne sommer lekker laat lag en ons kort van meer lag – VHF Radio in die Suid Kaap. 
• Johan ZS1I Mosselbaai – Saambring van 2m/70cm Draagbare Radios -Analoog UHF 70cm Eksperimentele 10mW baken – Propogasie 2m/70cm. 
• Hennie ZS1IK George – Oorsig van Amateur Radio Aktiwitiete – 2m Mobiele Werking – Luister vir Hennie op die 145.700 Herhaler. - Toevoeging tot die Reboot Amateur Radio WhatsApp groep. 
• Willie ZS2CC George - Aktiwiteite op die HF bande – 80m Band is huidiglik “kookwater” dag en nag – 6m Band openinge – 11m Band openinge - HF Verslag. 
• Llewellyn ZS003 – Reboot se IT Spesialis – Fibre Internet – Topografie van Internet Torings – Reikafstande van WiFi – WiFi tussen George en Mosselbaai – All things Internet -80dB Seine – Vrae oor WiFi. 
• Johann ZS2BVD George - Raspberry PI T-Hemp logo en Park-Run - Andre ZS1AFB ontmoet Johann en vandag sit hulle altwee aan die Reboot Koffie Drink Tafel - Sterrekunde, Teleskope, Elektronika, Mikrogolf Tegnologie, Raspberry Pi en Arduino Projekte en sommer vele meer. Johan bespreek 3 projekte nl: Raspberry Pi 3+ Mini Rekenaar en 3D drukker kassie; 4 “poort” 24v na lae spanning omsetters ook gemonteer in 3D drukker kassie en die Radio Amateur se beheerde kookpan stelsel - Sien fotos in die verband. 
• Saney ZR1S Wilderness - 40m Beacon Engineer and Care Taker - Willie ZS2CC Beacon Controller (Good laugh) – Summary of the 40m Beacon characteristics – The beacon is truly a “Green” Beacon – running of solar panel power – Unfortunately the beacon causes RF Pollution, HiHi. - which is fortunately a very good thing!! 
• Andre ZS1AFB George – Amateur Radio in Australia – Toekomstige amateur radio planne vir die Suid Kaap – Herhalers en herhalernetwerke – Mikrogolf skottels en die Ghz bande – Toekomstige onbeperkte perseel beskikbaar vir Reboot Koffie Drink aktiwiteite – Andre die PR van die dag toe hy lid van die publiek inlig oor amateur radio na die byeenkoms. Dankie Andre!! Sien die draagbare radio ding het toe tog gewerk!! 
• Johan ZS1WD Blanco – Johan (ZS1Wasgoed Draad) is terug na ‘n tydsverloop van meer as 20 jaar!! Nog besig om weer sy stasie aan die gang te kry – Afgetree – Johan bied gratis koffie aan vir alle rebooters by sy huis. Al voorwaarde is dat hulle sy gras moet sny en tuin bewerk - Dis nou ‘n bargain – HF Radio asook 2m simplex en herhalers – Johan reeds aktief op die 145.700 George herhaler. Kyk gerus uit vir Johan. 
• Conrad ZS1KG Blanco - Werksverpligtinge – Weersatelliet prente en ontvangs – weersatelliet grond stasie - Conrad dankie dat jy gekom het al was dit tydens die Rondomtalie. Die feit is jy was daar en dit is wat saak maak. Jammer jy is nie in die groeps foto nie maar ek het dit eers later agter gekom. 
• Dave ZR1AOC Mosselbaai – Digitale Radio - Peanut Dstar – Verstelling en toets handstel van Andre ZS1AFB tydens byeenkoms – Sukses die radio is nou ten volle operasioneel – Nou dit is wat Reboot Koffie Drink lekker maak. Sommer gou gou help die manne mekaar. Dankie, Dave!  

Soos gesien kan word is daar vele aspekte van amateur radio bespreek en gedemonstreer. Waar kry jy nog soveel inligting en kennis in twee ure se tyd? 

‘n Groot dank ook aan Thys ZS1TBP wat bereid was om die 145.700 George Herhaler te beman en te monitor voor en tydens die koffie drink sessie. Thys ek weet jy sou graag teenwoordig wou wees maar het jy ‘n groter rol verfil op die herhaler. Verskeie kontakte is met Thys gemaak voor en tydens die geleentheid. Dankie Thys!! 

Iets wat ek opgemerk het tydens die Koffie Drink wat ander dalk nie van weet nie. Ons het die voorreg gehad en dit is ook ‘n eerste in die Suid Kaap om twee pa’s en twee seuns by ‘n Koffie Drink saam op dieselfde tyd en plek teenwoordig te gehad het. Wat ‘n voorreg!! Willie- ZS2CC en Llewellyn Hewitt ZS003 (pa en seun). Johan- ZS1WD en Conrad Scheepers ZS1KG (pa en seun) 

Teen 11 uur se kant was dit huistoe gaan tyd gewees. Weereens ‘n baie en genotvolle koffie drink sessie gewees. Weereens ‘n groot en hartlike dank aan ‘n ieder en elk wat die byeenkoms bygewoon en aan die Rondomtalie deelgeneem het. Een persoon maak nie die byeenkoms nie maar dit is julle wat die moeite doen on dit by te woon wat die geleentheid ‘n groot sukses maak. Sonder julle deelname sou die koffie drink nie suksesvol gewees het nie. 

Die volgende Reboot Koffie Drink sal gehou word te Mosselbaai op die 20 Julie 2019 om 9vm. Die plek van byeenkoms sal mettertyd aangekondig word. Teken asb nou al die datum aan in julle dagboeke dat daar nie botsende belange is nie en dat jy die geleentheid kan bywoon. 



73 

Johan ZS1I, Mosselbaai 
sawois05 AT gmail DOT com

Fotos:

Hennie ZS1IK, Willie ZS2CC en Llewellyn ZS003

                 Hennie ZS1IK, Willie ZS2CC en Llewellyn ZS003

Johann ZS2BVD, Saney ZR1S, Andre ZS1AFB en Johan ZS1WD

So kuier die manne

  Francois ZS1Q en John ZS1ZR

Saney ZR1S, Andre ZS1AFB, Johan ZS1WD, Francois ZS1Q en John ZS1ZR

  Middel:  Dave ZR1OAC

Die Raspberry Pi Rekenaar in 3D kassie

So lyk die Raspberry Pi uit sy kassie

Die 24 volt na laer spanning omsetters in 3D kassie

Die 24 volt omsetter verwyder uit sy 3D kassie

Die Amateur Radio beheerde braaipan stelsel.  Arduino Nano ens.

Kontrole kas van die braaipan beheerde stelsel

Ai dis darm maar lekker!!

Analoog UHF 70cm Eksperimentele 10 mW baken

   

THE 2 METER DIY "DIP-YAG" ANTENNA PROJECT

Photo: Dip-Yag Antenna (Bottom view)

During the December 2002 I worked up the design for this antenna purely by co-incidence. I needed two stainless steel self-tapping screws and my eye fell on the 3 element Yagi that I constructed for 2m operation. This “odd” measurement Yagi with stainless steel self-tapping screws were mounted on a mast 4m high from the ground. I unscrew and remove both the reflector and director elements in order to obtain the said screws. The driven element and funny looking boom were left intact on the mast. Later that evening I decided to contact Francois ZS1Q in George. I was greeted with the following remark ”Wat het jy nou aangevang? Jy blaas my uit die hok uit. Wat se versterker gebruik jy? “

I only then realized that I was using this “funny looking” Yagi. Tests were conducted and this led to the constructing of the odd measurement ”DIP-YAG” antenna. In amateur circles the “DIP-YAG” will rightfully be called a 2 Meter Dipole Antenna. Or will it? Be as it may this antenna give excellent results and is cheap and easy to construct.

To construct the antenna we first drill the hole for the element through the boom.  Push the element through the hole and affix the element with a self tapping screw exactly in the center of the element.  You will now have a T-shape antenna.  Fit 2 X 10mm Plastic end caps to each opening of the element and 1 X 20mm plastic end cap to one end of the boom. The SO239 connector is affixed to a piece of aluminum plate bent in a “L” shape.  A hole is drilled at the short end of the “L” through the plate, the SO239 is fastened with 4 X 8mm bolts and nuts.  The long end of the plate  is fastened to the boom with a rived-gun,  approx. 80mm away from the element.

Photo: Showing the Gamma Match of the Dip-Yag Antenna


The gamma match consists of a 150mm length of 10mm aluminum tubing. The 200mm piece of RG213 co-axial center (the outer cover and braid is removed) is slipped inside this tubing which telescopes into the aluminum tubing. One end is then soldered to the connector. Sliding the RG213 center in and out of the tubing tunes the gamma match. Take the 60mm aluminum tube and drill two 10mm holes 25mm appart through this piece of tube. Fit the 2 x self-tapping screws on the side of this tube. These screws act as a “lock-nut” to tighten the element and the gamma match for the best SWR. Affix the boom with a mounting bracket to the mast. Note: The best SWR is obtained by moving this matching stub up and down, as well as the sliding of the RG213 center core in and out of the 150mm piece of tubing. After obtaining a 1: 1 SWR tighten all screws and affix the co-ax cable to the boom and mast with cable ties. One 10mm- and 20mm plastic end cap is affixed to the other end of the boom and to the end of the gamma match. Seal all holes and openings with an appropriate water tight sealer.

One of these “Dip-Yag” antennas works fine for a basic, slightly off center, omni-directional antenna. The angle of radiation is lower than that of a ground plane so it does tend to work better (I guess 3 db in the favored direction). You can use more than one by stacking them vertically. Losses might make it undesirable to stack more than 2 or 4. I am currently using a two stack arrangement with the following phasing harness measurements.

PHASING HARNESS:

2 X 1.36m 50 ohm RG58 co-ax cable
2 X 386mm 75 ohm Good TV co-ax cable

The 50 ohm and 75 ohm cable is joined together for each “Dip-Yag”. The 50 ohm length is affixed to the antenna while the 75 ohm section on the other side is affixed to a ”T” piece connector. A identical harness is made for the second antenna. A 50 ohm feed line is connected to the ”T” piece and fed to the 2m radio. Note the distance I used between the two antennas is 2 meters.

PARTS NEEDED:

3m x RG58U Coax Cable
1.2m x 75 Ohm TV Cable
6 x PL259 Connectors
1 x "T" Connector that except PL259 connectors.
15m x RG58, LMR400 or RG213 Coax Cable

IMPORTANT NOTE:
Always use good quality connectors and cable to curb excessive losses.  Bad connectors and cables will give bad results.
Seal all connectors and joints with a good quality sealer.

This antenna is quite broad-banded and performs well during static buildup in the summer months.  Thanks to Nico ZS2N for the his MFJ Analizer and for the constructing of the phasing harness during his visit to Mossel Bay in April 2003.

I have done extensive tests with this antenna and has subsequently got rid of a Ground Plane Antenna, J-Pole and Slim-Jim.  Construct this antenna and you will see why. If you build one of these antennas I'd love to hear from you and see pictures of your work.

Finally I would like to thank all Radio Amateurs for their input and help with initial tests.  Without this help the project would not have been possible.

Photo:  Co-phased Dip-Yag's on the mast.

ADDITIONAL NOTES 6 JUNE 2008:

As a result of several e-mails received I decided to post new photos and more information including a diagram of the phasing harness.

This antenna gave very good results.  This antenna was used for 2 Meter Simplex Communications with the one Dip-Yag antenna facing towards Hartenbos and the other in the direction of the greater Mossel Bay, George and Sedgefield area.  The top antenna facing towards Hartenbos had the task of getting in behind a hill where one of my good friends stayed at the time.  The J-Pole and Slim Jim used previously could not deliver the goods.  The Dip-Yag did and excellent job in delivering what was expected from it.   A Yagi would possibly have done the job, but then the George radio amateurs could not hear me and I could not hear them.  The stacked Dip-Yag solved the problem and we could continue with our nightly 2M Simplex Nets.  This antenna construction could also be used for a repeater.  By stacking 4 of these "Dip-Yag's" your repeater could have a reasonable coverage area.  A plus would be the cost to construct a 4 stack "Dip-Yag" antenna.

What about feed-line and connector losses?  I used RG58 and a good quality 75 Ohm TV line for the phasing harness and still received 5.9+10 reports from Hartenbos and George.  Use the best connectors and coax you have.  If you use other cable that RG58 and 75 Ohm TV line then you have to re-calculate the length of cables as the velocity factor of cable differ.  However the use of RG213, LMR400 and RG58 for the cable going to the radio need not be re-calculated.  The following formula can be used for the re-calculation of the 50 and 75 Ohm cables:

(234/145(Freq.)) x 12 = 19.23 inches
19.23 inches x (Velocity Factor) =  (Inches)  x 25.4 = (Millimeters/Length of cable)

I trust that the new information provided will be of further assistance to those currently busy constructing this very useful antenna.  A single Dip-Yag is also very portable and could be installed and used for emergency communications.   I  have one in my  "Ready to go bag"!!