You've probably read on another thread here on WWRF, that I bought a Icom IC-718, LDG Z-100, and a Samlex 25 amp supply recently. And yes, I am an Tech Amateur. There have been more than a few threads about MF/HF multiband antennas here, and I have read a lot of them. I also posted a similar thread on qrz forums on this subject. But I would like all of your inputs - if you would, as members of WWRF that I read and enjoy the most.
Here's my problem: My property is rectangular shaped(of course); it is far shorter north to south and wider east to west. The dimensions are 55 feet due N/S; and 100 ft due E/W - that's the perspective view. A dipole would have to be oriented twards the E/W because of the property shape; and that won't work as far as I can see from here. But I want/need and E/W orientation for the US, Europe, and Japan - this is what I see as the plan IF a dipole is selected. And 55 ft isn't enough room and would be awkward - if not impossible - to set up. That's my problem...
The folded dipole has been my consideration because of its great low SWR, can use it on 160 meters (or even a smaller 80 meter version - for that matter) all the way down to 2 meters - but will not fit on my property - due to the short N/S length. So, I am considering verticals rather than dipoles that give me the best bang-for-buck as well as the greatest band usage for about $300-$350 cost. I want to mount it on my chimney and use 20 ft of masting w/guy support.
What do you recommend? What do you use? Do any have similar problems with antenna choice? Do verticals make a noisy IC-718 radio even noisier? GAP Challenger/Titan DX or the Hustler 4-5-6 BTV's? Or ??? Do you like what you have and know of a better antenna solution? I know that there are always trade-offs and no one antenna is perfect - but what do you like and can it be applied to my situation?
Here's my problem: My property is rectangular shaped(of course); it is far shorter north to south and wider east to west. The dimensions are 55 feet due N/S; and 100 ft due E/W - that's the perspective view. A dipole would have to be oriented twards the E/W because of the property shape; and that won't work as far as I can see from here. But I want/need and E/W orientation for the US, Europe, and Japan - this is what I see as the plan IF a dipole is selected. And 55 ft isn't enough room and would be awkward - if not impossible - to set up. That's my problem...
The folded dipole has been my consideration because of its great low SWR, can use it on 160 meters (or even a smaller 80 meter version - for that matter) all the way down to 2 meters - but will not fit on my property - due to the short N/S length. So, I am considering verticals rather than dipoles that give me the best bang-for-buck as well as the greatest band usage for about $300-$350 cost. I want to mount it on my chimney and use 20 ft of masting w/guy support.
What do you recommend? What do you use? Do any have similar problems with antenna choice? Do verticals make a noisy IC-718 radio even noisier? GAP Challenger/Titan DX or the Hustler 4-5-6 BTV's? Or ??? Do you like what you have and know of a better antenna solution? I know that there are always trade-offs and no one antenna is perfect - but what do you like and can it be applied to my situation?
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Rob, i would stil mount a dipole nw/se thats how my homebrewed "cobra sr." is because thats how it fits for what i have to work with. is it iaeal ,no. but it's better than nothing. I have a gap Titan, it's strapped to the back fence. I will be putting up a hustler 6BTV this spring, from DX Engineering. is it the best, no but it will be better than my gap. I can load up my metal shed and put out a better signal on 75/80 than the titan. Anyway this post is about you not me, I would put up both ones going to always be better than the other at one time or another. experiment and see what works for you, and have fun 73.
