[Elecraft] Attic Antenna

[Sandy W5TVW]

My "usual" antenna on a quick setup afield is a 33' vertical wire hoisted by an MFJ-1910 33'
fibreglass telescopic pole.  This wih a K1 and KAT1 internal tuner.  It will "tune" with no radials
but the performance is lousy.  Add one 33' radial and it gets much, much better.  Add TWO 33'
radials and much better yet.  If I add two more (a total of four 33' radials and it improves more
yet but not a large change.  If I add more, hardly notice any change at all for the most part.  All
radials out of #24 hookup wire and laid on the ground.  This for 40 thru 15 meter operation.  For 80
meter use a 66' antenna, 33' vertical and the rest to a nearby tree limb from top of the support
mast.  Sort of an "inverted L".  This with 2-4 radials 66' long.  It "works" but isn't the best I
could do with a better antenna.
My trials of "whips" and short verticals has been dismal.  They will "work" but somewhat poorly so
say the least.  The MFJ pole and 33' wires seem to be the best setup especially in places where you
have trouble finding supports like the middle of a parking lot or field!  It won't work where there
is a lot of 'foot traffic' or kids as they will constantly be fouling the radials!!
Tried all sorts of loading schemes with whips from 4' to 15' and results fair on higher bands
(15/20) but very marginal on 40 or lower.
also tried shortened "loaded" dipoles and again it "works" but poorly.  Sometimes you get lucky.

Just my 2 cents worth on portable radiators when you are QRP afield.

73 to all,
Sandy W5TVW
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Fred (FL)" <ncsailors at yahoo.com>
To: <elecraft at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Friday, October 27, 2006 8:27 PM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Attic Antenna


| Oh yee of little faith, on non-counterpoise HF
| Verticals!   Some of those mentioned are real
| junkers.
|
| Back to subject - what type of ATTIC ANTENNAS are
| good, for us living in restricted communities (no
| antennas) - with attics?
|
| B&W makes a "Folded Dipole", 7-30mhz, 45 feet long -
| with supposed flat swr?  Like $245.  Our attic antenna
| needs to be pretty much left by itself - no trips up
| there to change frequencies.  And 40 thru 10 would
| be nice.
|
| I'm suprised no-one mentioned the performance of
| that octagonal sheet metal HF antenna that is
| always advertised in QST.
|
| I guess I could get my old ARRL Antenna Book out,
| and build a trap dipole for the attic ......
| Or stick a Buddipole up there.
|
| ....... Stealth <100W
| Fred
| N3CSY
|
|
|
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