[SMCARA] Thanks for the suggestions!

[Dave Q]

I'd like to thank everyone for the responses, suggestions and help.  I was
hoping to get one or two but I got quite a few.

The response was unanimous for the antenna.  Dipole it is.  Ordered an
Optimized G5RV.  More on that in a minute.
Found a used/returned Astron RS-35 power supply.
Also on the way is a LDG AT-200PRO-II tuner.
I have already dealt with JEFA Tech and will buy low loss 400 coax from
them.

More questions.  I know I have a General ticket but.... for me that means I
was able to study the questions with correct answers given and regurgitate
them in order to pass a test.  In fact, I'm sure I could study for the
Extra ticket for a couple of weeks and get that also but out of respect for
people who deserve that title I don't plan on it.  I feel bad having a
General and not knowing squat.

So on with the questions.  I can mount the dipole either flat top or
inverted V anywhere from 30 to 60 feet high between trees.  If I mounted it
as an inverted V, can I run the ladder line down touching the trunk of the
tree?  If I mount it flat top, the feed line would be coming down into my
yard and would not have support at the center insulator.  I could support
it if it were run through the woods most likely touching branches.  Does
that degrade performance?  Which would be the best way?

Grounding and feed into the house are next.  I've seen bulkhead SO-239s
that are up to 12" in length so will most likely use something like that to
get through the side of my house.  The room the radio is going in is about
8' above ground. From what was discussed on the Elmer net a couple of weeks
ago I'll need to get a ground down from there to a ground rod and then tie
that into my house ground which is about 50' away.  Any suggestions or
reference I can study to at least know enough to ask semi-intelligent
questions?

Again, thanks to all.  I really appreciate the help

73

Dave -W3DLQ