Hello,
In today’s activation I tested a Rhombic loop made with 27 meter long light wire.
I had already used that as a Delta loop in a previous activation:
Due to the fact it is a long loop, using it as a Delta is a bad idea as the wires bend towards ground too much. That’s why I decided to install it today as a Rhombic loop.
I installed it on a 7m long fishpole but seem it is not long enough to create a good rhombic profile. Next time I’ll try to use a longer pole…
When I arrived in the summit weather was just fine. My plan was to start on 21 Mhz and then test it downwards: 21 - 18 - 14 - 10 - 7 MHz and check it both on SSB and CW.
The plan soon changed when after the first calls in 21 SSB a big storm arrived with hail. I had just time to cover the rig with a nylon shelter, put my hood on and, without being sure what to do, I decided to wait for it to stop, because so far I had just logged 2 qso so far.
I had to hold the shelter with my hands and I waved it every now and then to remove the increasing hail and water. Was that a clever idea?
Well, 15 minutes later the storm passed and I could continue, looking for qualify although it all was wet and muddy. For that reason I decided to do a quick activation: only SSB and forget about CW.
The loop worked fine, I could tune it in 21 - 18 - 14 and 7 MHz with the aid of the ZM-2 tuner.
Let me thank SP8RHP who was very kind to chase me on 18 - 14 and 7 MHz with good signal reports both ways.
The qso with M3FEH on 7 SSB was also rewarding due to it was a QRPx2.
Just before leaving the summit I had a look on Sotawatch and I tried to chase S2S to Manuel HB9DQM/P. I could log him on 7 CW, my only morse qso of the day. All in all, 22 qso in a hurry.
I will need to test the Rhombic again in the future. It’s not an all-summits antenna, but I love to test new antennas from time to time. I’ll try to catch some DX next time with it, weather permitting.
VY 73 de Ignacio.
A view of Pamplona, my home city, as seen from the summit. Oh those rainy moving clouds…