Our beloved 4-element monobander Yagi for the 20-meter band had been taken down temporarily to make room for the installation of our new 21-meter tower, and for a thorough technical inspection and servicing.
With the 20M antenna resting on the ground for over a month and CQ WW WPX CW 2025 looming on the horizon, the decision was clear: we’re putting it back up.
The know-how was there. The craftsmanship too. Willing hands were plenty. Morale? Sky-high. Only one thing was missing: someone to climb the new tower and place the antenna where it belongs.
Back in the day, it was SV1HKH (Hotelias) who made climbing look easy. But lately, shooting trophies have replaced tower climbing — and rightfully so!
The Action Plan
Under the coordination of SV1DPJ, a precision operation was put into motion: the antenna would be hoisted with pulleys and guided into place with ropes and… with the classic thief’s knot. The process was laborious and required careful coordination, but step by step, the plan progressed.
The hardest part? What else — aligning the antenna with the rotator and making the final mount.
An Epic Moment…
The tower, now ready and standing proud, was waiting for its other half. The winch was in place, and the antenna’s frame had been precisely prepared by our vice president, SV1RLC. Everything was ready.
And then “two guys” appeared: one short and one skinny.
…
– “You two — up the tower,” the president directed.
And then “two guys” appeared: one short and one skinny. George (SY1DOB) and Spyros (SV1CQM).
– “You two — up the tower,” the president directed.
And up they went. Without hesitation.
They strapped in, got to work, and spoke little — but did a lot.
The Heroes of the Day
None of this would’ve happened without the essential contribution of:
- SV1CQM and SY1DOB, who literally lifted the operation in every sense
- SV1CQK, SV1CQG, SV1DPI and SV1RLC for technical support
- SV1DPJ and SV1TBW for the planning and execution
- SV1CIB, SV1TIQ, and SV1RRX for their ongoing help and presence
Tower & 20M Yagi Upgrade Project Completed!
And yes, everything, thankfully, went well and exactly as planned!
The 4-element monobander Yagi for the 20-meter band is now mounted on a fully rebuilt, reinforced, and significantly taller 21-meter tower.
It’s driven by a brand-new Messi & Paoloni Hyperflex-13 coaxial cable (1/2″ diameter), replacing the old RG-213 coax.
This combination offers significantly improved performance across the band, and the added height ensures lower DX angles and longer openings.
Measurements on both the antenna and the feedline showed excellent results: low SWR, outstanding matching, and minimal losses. Ready for battle!
Another mission accomplished. The antenna once again reigns from its throne. And the station is ready for new… ham radio adventures.
Because at SZ1A, we don’t just lift antennas — we lift the spirit of the team, too!
