Hi, folks. Steven KE5GAU suggested I subscribe, and Jud was kind enough to approve the subscription request, so here I am. The antenna-building session (Moxon rectangles, q.v.) we had last Saturday (25Nov2006) was very successful, but it appears that a fair number of folks in OUARC, SCARS and the community-at-large didn't get word in time to attend, or had other commitments. I heard a fair number of requests for a repeat session last night on the NICU net[1], and hope to hold that session in December or January. Please consider this an announcement of intent and a solicitation of input for dates. I'll be asking Bill WG5T and Bill KD5DOB to put out a similar notice to the SCARS list, and will ask for input on the ARES net tomorrow night. I'll provide at least some hand tools and an MFJ 259 SWR analyzer; you will need to bring copper wire, PVC pipe and fittings (or other means of stabilizing the conductive bits in a proper relationship to one another), and whatever connector you want to use. I also have MoxGen (the Moxon Rectangle generator) and EzNEC4+, so we can crank out specs for Moxon antennas of any size and do a detailed analysis. I used #6 AWG solid copper for my 2m Moxon, and it's _quite_ sturdy, but that wire is *VERY* difficult to bend by hand; a Bernz-O-Matic torch helps a lot, but isn't safe for indoor use. The aluminum ground wire sold by Radio Shack probably can be used, as long as you have a way to connect it securely to whatever connector (Type N, SO-239, BNC) you decide to use. #8 and #10 AWG solid copper probably would work fine, certainly would be easier to solder than aluminum, and certainly would be easier to bend than #6 AWG copper, but a cursory search didn't find any at local hardware stores. I'm considering automotive fuel line as an alternative material: it's a nice diameter, hollow, sturdy, and solderable. The compression fittings may also be useful. Please feel free to write me if you're interested, and/or to call me (831-5392 Cell) if you have any questions. If you post questions and/or suggestions to the list, I'll answer them on-list where I can, so that all the members stay up to date. My cell phone is 831-5392 if you want to talk about things. [1] You _do_ know about the NICU net? 147.060 (+ and -; PL 141.3), Monday nights at 8 PM. 73, de -- Mike Andrews, W5EGO [log in to unmask] Tired old sysadmin