That's one way to keep the HOA off your back.

My HOA says.........no outside clotheslines.

Bought some angle steel today to mount a hamstick on my jeep.  Going to use it to run my hf from my apartment.

Your HOA sucks.

They all suck, but I think they actually have a valid point with the clothesline restriction.  

And to keep this amateur radio related, here is the  CMOS-4 keyer (also built from a kit), that is now accompanied by the new Winkeyer.

I've always liked this thread, so I'm guilty of digging it back up again.

Have really been enjoying my Swan 260, and have been looking for a while for the correct OEM microphone, which was a Turner SR-90. Finally grabbed one for five bucks plus some shipping. At first glance I was pretty sure I'd over paid - it was rough! Kinda' cool looking though, with the cast zinc body and front mounted hanger button.



This gave me a chance to use my new (to me) B&K oscilloscope. it quickly showed that the mic element was functioning, so I started trying to put the old Turner back in shape.



I had to solder on the correct plug as well as re-soldering the microphone element connections. Easier said than done! The conductors were comprised of a microscopic ribbon of copper foil wrapped around thread. I presume this was for flexibility, but good heavens, it was difficult to solder without burning it up. A variable temperature iron, a light touch and a healthy amount of rosin finally did the trick. Also worked a piece of shrink tubing over the old rotted rubber strain relief. Polished up the zinc with Scotchbrite, and we're ready for work. The old Swan is smiling' now!



Cheers...   Jim

TRIED to work the VHF contest today, but ended up watching movies with the kids. 6m is in horrid shape, which is really disappointing after having a really good week on there


ETA: Did get my longest 2mSSB contact today at 161 miles, which was cool