Simple antennas for the Hawaii Island Amateur Radio Operator--a continuing series
Merry Christmas to all! I trust that Old Saint Nick left a few presents under your Christmas Tree. During the holiday season, I've been busy with various household chores, visiting friends, and just relaxing until the new school term begins on 04 January 2012. I'm sure the coming year will be exciting both in the classroom and out in the real world. The holiday break is also giving me some time to do basic antenna maintenance and general shack clean up. The December weather has been quite wet along the Hamakua Coast with over 13 inches recorded at the qth since 01 December. Despite the recent storms, Hawaii Island rainfall totals are about 30 % below normal. The Kailua-Kona area on the west side of the island is even more parched, with most leeward areas getting less than 50% of their normal rainfall. SIMPLE ANTENNAS FOR NEW YEAR'S EVENTS Three major operting events remain as this year morphs into 2012. The 2012 ARRL Straight Key Night is set for 01 January 2