Previously, we had been leaning the SOTA beams tactical mini against nearby trees, but today we decided we would practice pegging it out properly, with the multi-functional guying kit. This means that we can be more confident, and prepared for the next (potentially tree-less) summit!
The SOTA beams Multi-function Guying Kit (https://www.sotabeams.co.uk/multi-function-guying-kit/) comes with pegs, rope and guying rings. The rings are small circular disks, that you slide over the top of the mast. The small holes in the disk are used to thread the rope through (as can be seen in the below image). Then, you take the rope and peg it out, so that when you extend the mast, you put tension on the string. Don’t forget to also attach the antenna to the top of the mast!
The first time we attempted to tension the string, the top of the tactical mini retracted and we were back at the beginning! This time with a tangle of antenna wires and string!
However, we managed to re-erect the mast, and untangle the antenna wires and string, and pegged down the string. We then extended the antenna line down, and pegged that down, too. The three lines were holding well, and we gingerly let go of the mast! Success! It held!
We celebrated by eating lunch, and listening to someone doing a POTA activation on the 40m band. As we packed up, we realised we had a new unwelcome friend! A spider had made a web and started coming down with the mast!