Ham Operator Forums
General Forums => Antennas => : KB9MBP June 30, 2013, 09:40:49 PM
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I live in an apartment with outside garage. I have few grounding options, and desire ideas. Thanks! :)
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I would think the simplest solution would be to use an antenna that doesn't require an RF ground (one that doesn't use ground/dirt as it's 'other half'). A safety ground (lightning) is a completely different 'animal'. If possible, it's a good idea to safety ground any antenna. And/or place a ground point device in the feed line before it enters your building.
Safety grounding is NOT a simple thingy. Usually, it also isn't cheap if it's done right. A 'spark-gap' type device is NOT a very good safety grounding device for antennas. It isn't fast enough and only 'grounds' one half of the antenna, usually.
- Paul
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I live in an apartment with outside garage. I have few grounding options, and desire ideas. Thanks! :)
Portable is the way to go...
I am resorting to Isotron antennas so I can remove them at a moments notice mainly because I don't have an outside yard of any kind. I have 1 window on a 3rd floor that I can use. Works out ok and I can go portable out to the beach on 10 meters with this antenna.
I also use a 2m Fantenna and a 70cm Fantenna for portable use at the same time. A 20 watt solar panel and battery power the whole mess on an old lady shopping cart.
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2m Fantenna 1:1 SWR
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Heh! I like that.^^^ I'm going to have to give that a try. ;D
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I live in an apartment with outside garage. I have few grounding options, and desire ideas. Thanks! :)
What bands where you planning to use? I recently tested an end fed antenna called the "end fed easy tenna". I got the 54 ft version. I ran battery power with an FT450 yaesu. I worked pages and pages of contacts on 10, 15,17,20 and even talked to state side friends on 80 meters. All with 30 watts or so.
C