Antenna for an apartment dweller

[Shellcracker]

Greetings, all. I am new to radio, both CB and amateur radio service. I received my Technician license last May, and have been reading catalogs and equipment reviews for several months. I have already purchased my first VHF/UHF and HF radios, but I am looking for an antenna that is apartment friendly, I do not have a balcony to mount the MFJ-1622, MFJ-1623, or MFJ-1625. The MFJ-1621 seems to be the best option for my purposes. I have seen mixed reviews for this item on eham and various merchant websites.

I would appreciate any input on this item, as well as suggestions for alternatives.

Many Thanks!

Jim

 

[RoadRanger]

http://www.mfjenterprises.com/Product.php?productid=MFJ-1622

https://qrznow.com/magnetic-loop-great-hf-apartment-antenna/

 

[sp5it]

Magnetic loop in apartment to transmit? GL on that.
Shellcracker: If you have no space for antennas consider other hobby. Maybe go out of town, set some antennas on the top of hill and enjoy.
Radiation RF field in apartment is bad idea, especially from magnetic loop if you do not want start transmiting 6 feet deep soon.
Mike

 

[Shadetree Mechanic]

Maybe drop a long wire out of the window?

 

[Shellcracker]

Mag loop is not feasible for apartment. 2 meter is covered with N9TAX slim Jim for local work. I can hang just outside in a tree as long as I take it down when done with radio. Mobile will be covered when get new Yaesu 857 in spring. Current 10 meter is Galaxy DX99v2. I do have a location to place the MFJ-1621, but I want opinions about the antenna.

Thanks!

Jim

 

[BJ radionut]

http://www.mfjenterprises.com/Reviews.php?productid=MFJ-1621

https://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/386

Pay attention to the negative reviews...they tell a story...the coax/feedline is the counterpoise and radiates...Just be advised...looks like a good reason for extra counterpoise wires around the edges of room and a ground of any kind may help solve that.

 

[Riverman]

Folks have luck with the MFJ-1622 as well.
MFJ advertises it as their "Apartment Antenna".
It does 2-40 meters.

https://www.mfjenterprises.com/Product.php?productid=MFJ-1622

 

[BJ radionut]

http://www.k2zs.com/indoor-hf-antennas

https://www.nonstopsystems.com/radio/frank_radio_antenna.htm

 

[BJ radionut]

Here is a nifty little project for your HT, and can be mounted on a stand next to a window for full time use or hung from a small string.

 

[Riverman]

Here is a nifty little project for your HT, and can be mounted on a stand next to a window for full time use or hung from a small string.

I made one. Had it in my attic when I had my Icom 7100.
Worked GREAT!

 

[Slowmover]

. . gold-plated brass Slinky

The places this site takes me, ha!

 

[w9cll]

Never mind

 

[oldtymer]

You could try running a wire around the perimeter of the room above the windows.
Did that when i lived in an apt. not the greatest but it got me on the air.
Good Luck

 

[jon666]

same radiation from a cell phone caused brain cancer

 

[Shellcracker]

Thanks for all the ideas stated in the thread. I also spoke with a local ham who is Product Evaluator for GigaParts, and he says the MFJ-1621 is good enough for the local HF ten meter net. Gonna look for other places to use for DX like sp5it suggested.

Shellcracker