Much more elegantly put, and with greater economy of words than I did, but yes. The fly cutter was $5 from the markets - did the job, but was certainly not a precision tool, as is usual in these things the centre hex bolt holding the bar was made of cheese, so rigidity was terrible. Need to get a decent hardened bolt, then should be better. Have also installed 2 big SLA batteries for remote power, when the price of solar panels drops a bit will recharge from them, otherwise a little Yamaha 4-stroke generator and mains power when available. FFR, or Fitted For Radio as they say in the Army.
I'm currently
value for my
80m at night, 40m during the day, 20m if theres not too much QRM from the "big boys" - hence the need for a portable mast, you try and set up near a big tree, but sometimes it ain't possible. The mast is telescoping aluminium, a club project, hopefully get about 18ft from it. 2m and 70cm in the vehicle for local contacts - we have a pretty good repeater network here in VK.You will upgrade when you feel the need to do so - its a hobby, after all. No pressure, enjoy what privileges you have. When they are not enuff, then you will do the upgrade.
HF radio is useless in the city, especially 80m - so much radiated garbage from virtually every modern household gadget, so going bush is the answer - you turn on the radio, and its so quiet you think the receiver has died. S9 qrm in the suburbs...
It was more than a day, still a relative novice at metalworking, make too many mistakes and have to figure out how to do things. But, enjoying myself in the process - so much to learn, so little time. Wish I had started years ago.
Take Care Wes, good luck with the search.
Andrew VK3BFA.