siderably less in daytime, For these Kinds of distances, wire js a more economical ‘com- munication media than laser through the atmosphere, except. where circumstances prohibit stringing wire or the bandwidth of the signal is ‘considerably higher than con- ventional audio bandwidths. In turn, laser is less expensive than conventional superhet receivers and crystal-con- trolled transmitters for these stances: Laser communica: tion is certainly more secure, since fundamentally all trans- mitted energy can be inter. cepted at the recelver site. Want to try out a laser? 1 hone this article has given ‘yots ideas to build on! = References TsSpeces Physics Technica! Memorandum," "1068, Hebert: "Modulated Heliam Neon Las.” ‘Sooctrs Physic, 2 Convarsetion with Spectra ysis onginecr 8, Fotie, "Getting Started on ATW." 73' Magazine, November, 1973, Fig, 3. High input impedance four transistor audio amplifier. A 60 ona -- solving ne of the first hurdles for the newly licensed Novice is the matter of an antenna. Many beginners don't have a pair of 70 foot trees spaced just right for an 80-40-15 skyhook pointed in ‘the sight direction, Bearing in mind that there is no one more critical element to happy hamming than a good antenna, WN6GKE has come up witha solution. The antenna is actually 2 half wave dipole for 40 meters, in a horizontal “U” configuration, (The same design will work on 80 me- ters, by doubling the dimen- sions.) With the help of an Reprinted from Collector and Emitter, Central Oklahoma Radio Amateurs, Inc, Box 15013, Oklahoma City OK 73118, 18 Tuning Set your transmitter on 40 meters at 7.125 MHz. Mea sure the swr using a bridge, Foot Antenna 22s2225 time, Remember to cut both legs equally, Repeat this step. 20 Foot Lot “S=Fr including 70 feet of #12 wire, 5 insulators, nylon cord, Screw eyes and coax, was about $20, but it could have a 40m Novice problem Gis ScISaco antenna tuner, the “U" will work 80-10, The 40 meter version requires two supports; trees or TV masts will do. Because of the antenna’s “U configuration, positioning is not important, since the tuning fork is omniditec: tional. Construction Tae feodpaint should be as far from metal objects as possible. When cutting wire for each leg of the antenna, add two feet of extra length This will be used for trim ming dovn the swr, Pulleys are very handy on the high fends of the antenna, in order to ralse and lower the ele ments for tuning. Keep the spacing between elements at 21 feet 6 inches, but don’t worry too much about the angle. Anything from 99 to 45 degrees will work. money are your problem, try tuning up with a “tuning fork” and gat ready for some nice surprises! =