Hex Hell

There were some unseasonably strong winds blowing today, with some gusts recorded upwards of 30 MPH. Not sure why I was so inclined to walk out to the backyard, but I am quite thankful I did. I believe I wanted to make sure my hex beam was tied down so it would not topple that is about the only explanation I can come up with. Fortunately I got very lucky because when I looked up above my garage the hex was bending at approximately a 35-40 degree angle. Why? I’ll explain.

In a pursuit to get a better out I looked for a way to raise the antenna higher. Using a Rohn H20, I was able to get the hex close to 20′, but that was not enough. I overlooked the most important item as it relates to amateur radio. SAFETY! I added a newly acquired 20′ mast and added a 10′ section to the H20, giving me close to 30′. Well that is adequate in calm wind conditions, but blowing like it was today, it nearly caused a disaster, not to mention damage and possible injury.

Thankfully I was able to get on the roof of the garage and slide 10′ of mast extension into the base, so the hex is back to about 20′. Now that it’s the off season for contesting I was looking at taking the antenna down for some work and looking at a possible replacement for the H20. My idea was to purchase a Rohn H50 (50′), providing a more study lower section and being able to get the hex SAFELY in the air 25-30′

Is that a real difference maker in the grand scheme of things? Probably not. But fortunately the amateur radio Gods were smiling on me today and my hex beam was not sacrificed in order to learn a very hard lesson. SAFETY FIRST. Boy I can’t wait until the solar storms are over and the sunspots shine on us. Currently the hex is now tied down with 3 guy wires on every other fiberglass spreader. Better yet is when I get that rotator in the place.

*Update: 01 June* I just realized the Rohn H20 is now bent and I am unable to extend it to the full 20′ length. It is not junk and I need to start staving for the stronger and taller, Rohn H50.