The Bigger They Are........The Harder They Fall!!!!

[W1RC]

You have undoubtedly heard or read about the ice storm that devastated Massachusetts, NH and Maine the past few days.  Here are some heartbreaking photos of the devastation that this storm left in its wake at the QTH of Matt Strelow, KC1XX.

http://gallery.me.com/wlmyers#100029&bgcolor=black&view=grid

KC1XX is a well-known multi-op contest station.  Fortunately Matt is in the tower and antenna business.  You can be sure that plenty of his fellow contesters will be calling him with work that they will need done before the next big contest. 

Despite the fact my views on contesters and their ilk are a matter of record I can't help but feel sad looking at these photos.

73,

MrMike



 

[flintstone mop]

Looks like some antennas will come back after the ice load melts. Ice and wind...not goodness.
I like the B/W pics. A lot more detail.

Fred

[K1JJ]

Wow.  Ice is such a killer.

The shots showing radial ice of almost 2" tells it all. I didn't know this ice storm was THAT bad.

I've modeled Yagis using "Yagi Stress" software and found that 1/2" -1" of radial ice is about the limit on most any Yagi of standard construction. Larger than that, you need lots of overhead and side cable trussing.


This shot of Matt's 80M tower is actually a 300' tower with STACKED 80M delta loops at 300' and 150' or so. Notice the lighted beacon on top.
http://gallery.me.com/wlmyers#100029/Damage-1-20017&bgcolor=black

Knowing Matt, a year from now he will consider this a blessing cuz he rebuilt it bigger and better than ever.

Good luck to you guys up north.

Tom, K1JJ

[Opcom]

still is pretty horrible to see your hard work ruined though.

[Ed/KB1HYS]

Seems like some of the tower budget should have been devoted to tree clearing.

I wonder if his home owners ins will cover any of the cost of repair, since I imagine it will be a considerable sum.