On 1/27/2014 8:05 AM, gareth wrote:
Taking my lead from the way in which spacecraft unload their antennae
and their solar cells, I wonder if there have been any amateur efforts
into folding antennae to beat planning and zonal limitations?

Unlike the spacecraft, the amateur beams would need a folding-back-up
facility, which together with wind-up-and-tilt-over towers would render the
structure invisble when not in use.

Also inspired by the man-across-the-road who is a Punch-and-Judy man
who has devised a booth that folds up neater than a deck-chair.




It sounds like an interesting idea, and I'm sure it could be made
workable from a technical perspective. However, if the unfolded version
doesn't meet planning and zoning requirements, you won't be able to use
it (at least in the United States). It doesn't matter if it meets the
requirements folded or not.

OTOH, for a quick portable antenna (i.e. Field Day, demonstrations, RVs,
etc.), or where high winds can be a problem (i.e. hurricane prone
areas), I can see a definite possibility for such a design. Probably
others, also, if I think about it more.

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