[Lowfer] just getting started

[Peter Barick]

>>> eric@willow.nutstreet.net 01/30/03 10:50AM >>>
"
My biggest challenge now is an antenna.  My backyard is only 75' on
a side (don't laugh) and my tallest tree is 10' high :(
.............
So I'm gonna need a couple of towers.
.............
Any suggestions?
"
-----------------------------------------
Hi Eric,

Maybe not, as Mike has noted, one high pole structure makes for a
vertical. But it should be noted, avoid things like grounded towers for
the "pole," as it will sap the rf intended to radiate on a tx ant., same
for rx. So then what?

Well,
 1) an insulated tower of some kind with insulated guys
 2) a non-metal pole, like 3 in. PVC plumbing stuff from the Home
stores, comes in 20 ft lengths. This too has to be guyed, can use light
poly line or consider weed  cutter line--the big stuff. However, so far
I only mentioned the vertical part. Next is the required top hat for
greater efficiency. These can be big, like 15-20 feet in dia. How to
raise that on, say, a PVC pipe pole is an esoteric art form. Many have
their ways and since I haven't done one, Ill stop here. However, in my
case I have a vert. for receiving w/ a top hat made of 3 30 foot wires
suspended between a communications tower and a far pole.

Another thought is to do something that Lloyd has done and described at
his site, near the bottom. It shows a K9AY Delta loop and this has only
a center support and 2 opposite, lower end supports. Check it for
ideas.

http://www.wb3anq.com/index.htm

Also, if you haven't done so, look up the LWCA Web site. Its a starting
point on searching everything LowFER.

Peter