[BARC-List] Lightbulb antenna?

[David P. Goncalves]

Aw, come on! A light bulb? It is a low resistance with a little
capacitance in parallel and inductance in series. It does at HF what it
does at 60 Hz; convert current into
heat and light. There will be a little radiation, and a little reception
of signals. With enough power, you'll be heard - that is true. I use dummy
loads when I test the NU repeater with an HT. 5W will key it up from
across the room. Dave Potter (K1MBO) told me a story about a test he
did with his 70cm amp and dummy, and how his friend
called him up with a signal report.

Unless you live in a cardboard box, there are far better antennas for your
cramped location. I used a shortened dipole when I lived on Boylston St.,
and managed to find some brownish enameled wire for a 5 story upside down
vertical. That was a cramped little apartment, an alley away from Fenway.
It isn't great, but it worked. Have you considered loops? As a fellow
Husky and W1KBN alum, I'll gladly help anyway I can with parts and
references.

Dave Goncalves
W1EUJ