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Base Antenna (apartment) suggestions

Hello, good friends!

I just moved into a new apartment. I was in a ground floor (radio misery) but now am on a top floor with a small balcony.

I was wondering if anyone had a suggestion or two for an antenna set up. It would have to be semi-permanent, i.e. I could take 'er down if I attract the ire of some stuffy resident.

I was thinking affordable stuff like a full wave aluminum whip? I hear a lot of people suggest a fiberglass whip but the ones I've had have never been all that amazing. Of course, I've not owned a super nice one either.

Looking for mounting ideas as well as efficiency!

Thanks guys!

213 The Ratt
Seattle
 

It is an apartment and I "can't" get up there. I'd probably not want to try. But an antenna mounted on the railing of my deck could possibly reach higher than the roof. I'll take another good look tonight.
If you put the antenna on the apartment deck rail what would you be facing? N,S,E,W ?
And how hight is it FROM your rail to the top of your apt. building?
 
There are lots of options but the best answer is - don't bother. Get a really kick ass setup in your car and just go sit out there and talk when you feel the need. In an apartment you will be able to listem but with most of the options you won't be able to talk more than a short distance most likely.

Apartment setups are a huge compromise in performance - I've tried multiple times and was always disappointed. Only one person I ever knew who had the perfect apartment setup - the manager let him put his antenna on the roof of the building - that guy had amazing performance.
 
Deck railing...wood or metal?... I had an Inverted V Dipole on PVC Pipe...so dipole was just above the railing...stretched corner to corner...3rd floor aprt...Worked Grt.
During the day when anyone might see it, I would unclasp it lay it down on the deck.
All the Best
Gary
 
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There are lots of options but the best answer is - don't bother. Get a really kick ass setup in your car and just go sit out there and talk when you feel the need. In an apartment you will be able to listem but with most of the options you won't be able to talk more than a short distance most likely.

Apartment setups are a huge compromise in performance - I've tried multiple times and was always disappointed. Only one person I ever knew who had the perfect apartment setup - the manager let him put his antenna on the roof of the building - that guy had amazing performance.
I am with Big Kahuna 100%. For a very long time I only ran mobile as my building did not let me put up any antennas.
It's not that hard to get mobile. BOND EVERYTHING, and find a nice DX spot or sit out front of your place and have fun......
Talk to your Prop. manger maybe you can put up a base antenna...?
 
I know that this is of topic a little but I need some help with an antenna I'm thinking about building a 7/8 wave for 11 meter could someone be so kind to tell me how well it would work
 

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