The ACARA Club Construction to build 20m/40m trap dipoles, long in the planning and twice delayed, finally happened on Sunday, January 21, 2018. Under the excellent guidance of Drew McDaniel, W8MHV, ten hams learned how trap dipoles work and then constructed their own 20m/40m trap dipoles.
For the club construction project, Drew provide SOTABeams trap kits (https://www.sotabeams.co.uk/hf-antenna-traps-kit-pair/) in 20-watt or 100-watt versions; “Invisible” Toughcoat “Silky” 26 AWG, 19 strand 40% copper-clad steel antenna wire (https://www.thewireman.com/antennap.html); and ceramic dog-bone insulators for the antenna center and ends. Antenna analyzers for first calibrating the traps for resonance on 20m and later for adjusting the antenna’s length for 20m were provided by Drew and Eric McFadden, WD8RIF. Eric also provided military BDU buttons for use as insulators for those builders who wanted them. Miles McFadden, KD8KNC, who didn’t build his own antenna, helped those builders who needed help with soldering.
The following participated in the club construction project:
John Biddle, W8PG — watched the build
Josh Cash, KE8EAS
Kevin Croissant, KE8HRK
Jim Crouse, KC8OVB
Carl Denbow, N8VZ
Mike Mathues, KC8WIW
Drew McDaniel, W8MHV — designed and led the project
Eric McFadden, WD8RIF — helped with the build
Miles McFadden, KD8KNC — helped with the build
Tony Milluzzi, KD8RTT
Rich Post, KB8TAD
Robert Riordan, KA4VNK
Jessie Robinson, KE8HRJ
Andy Young, KD8WVX
Builders are responsible for providing their own coaxial feedline. While Drew provided ceramic dog-bone insulators to serve as the antenna center-insulator, he encouraged builders to build or buy a better center-insulator.
Those builders who need help adjusting their antennas for 40m should contact Eric McFadden at wd8rif@arrl.net.
Thank you, Drew, for leading such a successful project and for providing such high-quality materials!
73,
Eric McFadden, WD8RIF
President, Athens County Amateur Radio Association
