I actually had the chance to use one of these at a Titan II missile site
in Wichita, KS. when I was in the USAF back in the 80's.
I had been dispatched out to the base to do some maintenance on the VHF/UHF
radio equipment they used, and our departure was delayed for awhile due to a
snow storm.
I asked the site commander if I could use the HF gear to make a few
amateur radio contacts and he gave me permission. WOW what good signal
reports!
I was running the full legal limit on 75 and 40 meters through it and
whatever I could hear I could work. I made about a dozen contacts and the
commander must have gotten a little worried and ordered me to stop.
I guess I was lucky he let me make any contacts at all considering the
situation. Nice memory:-)
Anyway, the antenna was HUGE to say the least! it was made of cable for
the skirt and large tubing for the hat radials. I would guess about
100-150'+ across the bottom of the skirt. I haven't thought about that in
years. Thanks for reminding me of those times:-) Loved being in the Air
Force!

RoD
KD0XX


"Spock" wrote in message
u...
Hello Everyone
I saw somewhere that the us navy used on some of it's ships hf discone
antennas. Were they any good? are they practical? what are the pros and
cons? are they used commercially?

Than you.




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