By moving the shack right off the connected garage (now that it is heated), I can still operate without disturbing the YL and be close enough to get a fresh cup of coffee and a snack while operating.
Plus the new shack will have a better layout and more room. The old shack will be converted into storage.
It has me re-thinking my antennas too. The "Sky Loop" will need to be fed differently (partial window line, partial coax, with a 9:1 Balun - not too excited about using a balun in the feed, but I was using one anyway with the Palstar (Kessler) AT-AUTO. At least the balun in the feed will be a stouter and better design than the Palstar balun (according to sources).
Too many projects now --
Re-do the shop/shack.
Then work on a new portable antenna for the up-coming field day and other trips I plan to make.
I am trying to devise a new "Jumbo-Buddi-Pole" knock-off and see if it can be made from the surplus aluminum I can find here.
I like the overall design of the Buddi-Pole in terms of conversion for different bands. I might copy the design a bit but make it taller and be able to offer easier hookup for tapping the coils.
When I go to Visalia, I'll be stopping by in Los Angeles first to see some family and check on a very dear friend who inspired me to go into ham radio.
But check-list marked -- the heater is installed and throwing out "50,000" BTU of heat into a space that will be a new electronics workshop and ham radio shack. I am looking forward to that.
