[600MRG] My Antenna is Freezing

[Brian, WA1ZMS]

I have read that some early 1920's wireless stations did use AC current through their antenna wires to melt the frost & ice off. :- )


-Brian, WA1ZMS
iPhone

> On Dec 7, 2017, at 9:02 AM, Paul Signorelli <w0rw1 at msn.com> wrote:
> 
> What is de-Q'ing my antenna?
> 
> Temp went down to 4F last night and my 30 foot vertical (Hung in a tree) was up to
> 
> 1.7:1 SWR.
> 
> I have been retuning the antenna to keep it 'on frequency' but the SWR is going up and the antenna is broader,
> 
> (lost Q).
> 
> Normally at 40F it is 1.1:1.
> 
> I have heated the antenna coil in the past with a 20A AC supply but that didn't change anything, (the antenna coil is outside).
> 
> I wacked the vertical antenna wire but there was no frost on it and that didn't change anything.
> 
> Is my ground freezing?
> 
> Of course it is...
> 
> Could I heat my vertical wire by adding a parallel wire?
> 
> Paul   w0rw
> 
> @ Ice Station Zebra,
> 
> Colorado
> _______________________________________________
> 600MRG mailing list
> 600MRG at w7ekb.com
> http://w7ekb.com/mailman/listinfo/600mrg_w7ekb.com