In late May 2025, Ian G3WVG and Rich M5RIC kindly offered to travel from England to the station and help me install a new Optibeam OB21-3 tribander and Spid BIG RAK rotator on tower 2. Ian and Rich stayed for a few days which meant we got some important 'pub time' in too.
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My friend and local engineer, Rhys, is on hand when mechanical jobs or problems that are beyond my skill-level arise,
Rhys and Ian G3WVG discussing the fabrication of insulated tilt bases for LF verticals in one of the fantastic local pubs.
Extra heavy duty galvanised steel guy posts accurately drilled by Rhys.
The custom-built head unit for the BP120XHD Versatower with a new Spid BIG RAK rotator and thrust bearing installed.
My local friend Tony and his son Luke kindly used their vintage Ford tractor to lift the 60kg head unit into place.
GW8DX adjusting the thrust bearing and 2.5" diameter galvanised steel stub mast.
Rich M5RIC getting to grips with the manual after unboxing the giant Optibeam OB21-3 triband Yagi.
Everything about the OB21-3 is extra large.
Unboxing the OB21-3 takes some time.
A soft drink can for scale.
Following advice from Braco E77DX, Loctite 243 is used on all boom joints.
A flat-bed trailer was a useful mobile platform for bulding and installing the new Yagi.
The OB21-3 is shipped with a heavy galvanised steel mast to support the boom truss.
Everything is clearly marked and fits perfectly which means building the antenna is a surprisingly short job.
GW8DX tightening boom joints.
Ian G3WVG and Rich M5RIC with the assembled OB21-3 boom.
Taking photos of assembly.
GW8DX making last -minute checks to the tower before the new antenna is installed.
With a fair amount of effort, G3WVG, GW8DX and M5RIC got the boom lifted onto the stub mast.
It's up! The OB21-3 sits on the retracted tower.
The tower has been extended to 70ft initially.
Six custom-built heavy duty mains filters were fitted whilst Ian and Rich were here.
Rich M5RIC lets his hair down in another local pub after a successful few days work.
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