[HIham] Update on Amateur Radio antenna bills: HB 2773 and HB2774

[John Buck]

Kevin,

These recommendations appear to be very good except the following.

 " The radio operator shall accommodate aesthetic impact considerations in
the placement and visual mitigation of an antenna.  An association may
review and approve the location of the antenna installation."

I am not sure how to fix it but this opens the door to irrational definitions of aesthetic impact and perhaps places the choice of antenna location in the hands of the non technical committee.  Perhaps the terms "may review and approve" does does not imply the right to disapprove, or am I dreaming?  Review and make recommendations on the location would be better than implying the right of approval.

I certainly worked with my neighbors to accommodate REASONABLE aesthetic 
impact in the location of my tower.  And I considered suggestions on the 
location of the tower.  And my neighbors helped me with the installation 
of the tower.

I would be much more comfortable with the incorporation of the words " 
reasonable aesthetic impact" in the original quote above. 

A minimum reasonable antenna capable of supporting emergency 
preparedness and training, providing the flexibility to operate on 
several different bands to accommodate to sunspot and other propagation 
conditions, as well as being sensitive and capable of reliably hearing 
ships in distress or communicating with low power emergency stations 
within the state, is an 88 foot dipole between 20 and 33 feet up, center 
fed with twin lead to a tuner.  Alternatively a 33 foot vertical if 
ground mounted in a clear area such as a front yard flagpole, or a 24 
foot vertical if roof mounted with counterpoise radials on or near the 
roof may be used.  These antennas will provide useful service for 
emergency communications preparedness including training.  These choices 
can be implemented in a very unobtrusive manner using wire not larger 
than 18 gauge if natural supports are available.

I believe that an approved set of minimum technical standards are 
necessary to guide the arbitration process.  There is room for 
negotiation on the placement to minimize the visual impact.


John Buck KH7T
BSE(Electrical Engineering), FCC licensed General Radio Telephone 
commercial, and Amateur Radio Extra Class.



Kevin C. Bogan wrote:

>The team would like to give you an update on our legislative action
>supporting HB 2773 and HB 2774.
>
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