Update September 2011

Unfortunately the tower with antennas had to be taken down.  The Optibeam OB5-20 antenna worked flawlessly for two years.  We believe we have "qualified" the pretty large Optibeam OB5-20 construction for our tough weather conditions, even though we haven't had the very worst storms during the last two winter seasons.  After two years in the air at our location, merely 100 meters from the ocean and thus being exposed to significant salt spray, both aluminium, steel and plastic parts seems to have very little corrosion or deterioration.  The wire truss, although, has been damaged, but this may have been due to improper assembly/installation.  We will have to make a new one before we put the antenna back up again.

We are searching for new and bigger tower, and we hope to be back on the high bands soon.

Update October 2010

The Optibeam OB5-20 antenna has worked flawlessly for over one year.

The winter season did not produce the worst storms.  Worst case measured was wind of 21 m/s, while between 25 and 30 m/s can normally be expected a few times every year.  Last winter was much colder than normal, even with snow on the ground continously for more than 3 months, which is very unnormal on this southwestern tip of Norway.  This was accompanied by much less precipitation than normal.

In any case the Optibeam antenna seems unaffected and we have not experienced one single problem with the antenna itself.  On the other hand we have had some small problems with the rotator and mast attachement.

The performance of the antenna has been very good.  It has always been very fun and enjoyable to work the contests with the 5 element Optibeam.  Nevertheless, with one kW output and only one antenna we do not always win the frequency.  We should have a stack and a "back-fire" antenna to ensure we are heard also in Europe when we run DX.

Update September 2009

A new Optibeam OB5-20 has been put up on a 18m crank-up / tilt-up tower furnished by LA3ZPA.  The antenna is a 5 element OWA beam with 15.1m boom length, 8.5 dBd specified gain, 26.5 dB F/B and 24.6 dB F/S.  SWR is excellent over the entire band.

Significant pile-ups and "tnx first LA" from several stations in western US on the first day of operation indicate that the antenna works very well.

Now, we are anxious to see if the Optibeam will withstand the severe wind conditions on our QTH.  We are entering an exciting contest season.

Optibeam OB5-20 First day on the air

Installation of the Optibeam OB5-20 is completed

LA3BO, LA5KO, LA3ZPA and LB1G working

Prior to September 2009

One of the low band verticals was used on 20m, - as well as on 15m and on 10m.