1941 Bamboo Beam

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Seventy-five years ago, the March 1941 issue of Radio and Television carried the plans for this two-element 20 meter beam in use by R.M. Blanchard, W4FIC. The antenna was constructed of bamboo, with the driven element and director consisting of wires taped to the bamboo. The rotor consisted of a bicycle chain connected to ropes, adjusted on the ground as shown in the diagram below.

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Mr. Blanchard reported that the antenna performed well, logging contacts with the Philipines, Guam, and Little America. In addition, the antenna was used for numerous schedules with the Hawaiian Islands.

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