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Author Topic: Limited space antennas  (Read 6477 times)

Offline Edgar Souse

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Limited space antennas
« on: April 27, 2017, 1321 UTC »
I am curious with those of you who live in apartments or HOA restricted communities do for antennas. I am currently in such a position and while I do not have a station setup yet I am looking into my options for equipment. I was considering a magnetic loop antenna, or getting a multi band dipole in the attic. Since my station would be used for transmitting in the ham bands I would like something that could do double duty. Although I am not opposed to having a separate antenna just for listening.

I also have an old VLF receiver at a relatives house I am hoping to get my hands back on soon. Are there any decent antenna options other than a random length of wire?
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Offline MDK2

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Re: Limited space antennas
« Reply #1 on: April 27, 2017, 1427 UTC »
There's this one to consider:

http://www.kr1st.com/magloop.htm

I'm not a ham, but I've built two loops based on his SWL design (a different antenna from this, but it's linked from this page) and have had good results. The parts are cheap, easy to find, and easy to construct.
Denver, CO.
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Offline Strange Beacons

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Re: Limited space antennas
« Reply #2 on: April 27, 2017, 1449 UTC »
I am curious with those of you who live in apartments or HOA restricted communities do for antennas.

I am in this exact situation, i.e., living in an HOA-restricted condo community where putting an antenna outside is absolutely banned.  I researched the antenna subject for a few months, talked with many other hams, both in person and online, and finally reached the conclusion that a magnetic loop antenna was the best compromise that I could make in my situation. And because I am also in the situation where I have virtually zero space for working on any kind of a build project, I decided that I would just go ahead and buy a ready-made magnetic loop antenna. Here is the one that I purchased: http://alphaantenna.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=4&products_id=11

I also purchased the optional booster cable for 40 to 80 meters. This antenna is easy to set up, easy to tune, and I have had some remarkable QSOs with it, with the antenna sitting right next to my desk, inside of my condo.

I also run a 10m beacon out of my condo using an MFJ-1622 apartment antenna, which is another option you might want to consider. The MFJ-1622 does not work as well as the Alpha Loop in my situation, but you may get different results.

Curt / W9SPY

Offline Edgar Souse

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« Reply #3 on: April 27, 2017, 1535 UTC »
Those loops look interesting. I suppose the compromise is a narrow band with and they likely aren't as efficient foe transmitting.  Back in a previous life I had a Kenwood TS140S (Great little radio, I now regret selling it) and a multiband vertical mounted in my parents back yard. Worked really well. As far as transmitting, I am concerned about RF exposure. I have yet to do any calculations, but am hoping that with an antenna in the attic, 100 watts will be a possibility.
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Offline Josh

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Re: Limited space antennas
« Reply #4 on: April 27, 2017, 1802 UTC »
I used a few turns of insulated wire around the window frame, fed by the tuner in a ic703 to make ssb contacts on 40m. Feed it at a corner and it's vertical, feed it in the middle of the bottom and it's horizontal. worked great for ambc and swbc use too, with a preselector. The drapes and blinds hid the entire setup. Not the best or most efficient of antennas but it worked.
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Offline moof

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Re: Limited space antennas
« Reply #5 on: April 27, 2017, 2255 UTC »
If you can get a magnet wire dipole up even 15 feet, I have worked most of the country back when the antenna was forbidden.  I have had people walking and sitting right under it and not notice.  It was weighted down with a bolt painted black attached with fishing line on each end about 6 feet up, kinda an inverted V.  Drilled a hole in the upstairs window and fed the coax barely outside.  Thick red mag wire can handle 100 watts.

Offline Strange Beacons

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Re:
« Reply #6 on: April 28, 2017, 1531 UTC »
Those loops look interesting. I suppose the compromise is a narrow band with and they likely aren't as efficient foe transmitting.

I primarily use my Alpha Loop for transmitting CW and digital modes. I regularly get reports from the Reverse Beacon Network showing that my signal is being copied up to 2000 miles away. However, I have noticed that the Alpha Loop does not work as well for voice transmissions.

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Re: Limited space antennas
« Reply #7 on: April 29, 2017, 1606 UTC »
If you live in an apartment you are screwed as far as HF is concerned.  The magnetic Loop would be my first choice.  You could try a High Sierra maybe.  If you live in restricted HOA community you can simply use a flag pole. ;)

Offline Edgar Souse

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« Reply #8 on: April 29, 2017, 1818 UTC »
So, I'm currently I'm an apartment. My girlfriend and I are planning on moving in together. She has a house but the HOA expressly forbids antennas that "send or receive any ham radio signal" (my head exploded when I read that). I'm thinking some kind of loop, and a multiband dipole in the attic after I move. If I'm creative enough I might find a way of doing something outside. After the dust settles on the move I might consider asking for a variance as I suspect many of these rules are just a "copy and paste"
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Offline Edgar Souse

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« Reply #9 on: April 29, 2017, 1821 UTC »
Also, I hate HOAs as much as everyone else, but it will be the reality for now. I asked this same  question on another forum, and got a few useful replies and about 20 pages of irrelevant comments and people flaming each other.
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Offline MDK2

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Re:
« Reply #10 on: April 29, 2017, 1851 UTC »
There was supposed to be a bill making its way through Congress that would allow hams antennas, regardless of HOA's or local zoning. I guess nothing came of that, but ARRL was pushing for it.
Denver, CO.
SDRPlay RSPdx & RSP2pro, Airspy Discovery HF+, Icom IC-7100, Grundig Satellit 750, Realistic DX-300, Tecsun PL-600.
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eQSLs appreciated wickerjennie at gmail

Offline Edgar Souse

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« Reply #11 on: April 29, 2017, 1912 UTC »
From what I read, it died in Congress and was reintroduced this year. It was passed in the House so I guess it's waiting it's turn in the Senate. Given the worse than usual mess in Congress, I'm not holding my breath.
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Offline redhat

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Re: Limited space antennas
« Reply #12 on: April 30, 2017, 0730 UTC »
Note to self;

When house shopping, prioritize the following;

NO HOA,

3 phase power  8)

If you have no trees to hide a wire dipole in, your only option may be an antenna in the attic.  If your in an apartment and have access to the attic, you may be able to string a wire antenna inside.  I've done it in previous situations and it worked surprisingly well.  Just be sure the roof decking doesn't have foil coatings (like a radiant barrier) as it will act like a faraday cage and not let much in or out except noise.

Alternatively, you could try magnet wire out the window to a tree.  This is usually slender enough that no one will be able to see it and bitch...until they walk into it.

Good luck!

+-RH
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Offline Token

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Re: Limited space antennas
« Reply #13 on: April 30, 2017, 1355 UTC »
Also keep in mind that mag loops work well low to the ground.  So even in an HOA situation if you have a fenced back yard a one meter mag loop can often go outside and do quite well.  I know one individual who disguised a loop as art in his back patio area, so it, and its rotor, ended up in plain sight to everyone, but since it did not look like an antenna there was no issue.

T!
T!
Mojave Desert, California USA

Offline Edgar Souse

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Re:
« Reply #14 on: April 30, 2017, 1452 UTC »
I've been looking at some loop antennas. If they can be ground mounted, that would be a good solution. As long as it doesn't peak above the fence it would be fine

Don't think the roof has any metallic lining, but I'll check.

In my current apartment I have a balcony on the second floor and attic access.
RSP2 Pro, IC-7300, W6LVP Loop
Richardson, Texas, USA
Please QSL to bktx75@gmail.com