Hi folks; For what its worth after about a year of "patience" I finally have an hf antenna back up. I put up another r8 more securely this time. As a word to the wise, however, I went volunteer hunting this summer and found someone who was eager wanted to help and ready to go. I couldn't have been happier. Only problem was I eventually discovered that he had his ticket for about a year and the helper that came with him (this can be a two person job) came equipt primarily with a digital camera. So just because someone offers to help ask a question or two before you get to excited. Also discovered a roof problem under the tripod which needed fixing first but I just beat the Buffalo NY snow. Rich