[Elecraft] A Solution for Antenna-Restricted Hams?

[Ron D'Eau Claire]

Brian, K3KO wrote:

These things are great in concept.   However, a large amount of the 
stealth is lost in the 6 months of site prep and erection of them.
Thye would be fine if they just grew overnight.

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True, however it's not "stealth" but "esthetics" the structures are designed
to address. The idea is for them to become invisible in the environment.

Yes, we need a lower-cost solution for Hams (perhaps a gigantic "fake
Christmas tree"?). It would be entertaining to see a Ham take on a
Homeowner's association saying that if he can't have his "tree" in the yard,
the neighbors all need to remove their trees. I believe that argument has
been successful with flagpole antennas in communities where many people have
flagpoles. 

The old forest of poles, wires and TV antennas we used to live with years
ago weren't pretty. It's good to see them gone. Now the challenge is to find
suitable alternatives other than indoor antennas. 

My solution has been to live in nice close-knit communities, but only in
those that do not have an association who dictates such things. Then I'm
careful to erect antennas that are difficult to consider an eyesore. And
here on the Oregon coast in tsunami and earthquake country and where we get
pummeled by storms with 100+ MPH winds most winters, I've found that being
involved in our community emergency response team (CERT) via RACES has
cemented my value as the "neighborhood Ham". Me and my antenna are
considered an important community asset. 

When I arrived here two years ago there was just myself and one other
inactive licensee. Now, after working with my radios and meeting neighbors
during our regular CERT training exercises, there are four of us active in
our little community of about 150 homes. 

Isn't that how Amateur Radio has survived and thrived since it was first
officially recognized? 

Ron AC7AC