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?
I know its sounds like im beating a drum here ,
But i like the w5gi mysterywire
but sounds like you dont have the real estate,
unless you go corner to corner
it measures approx 101 feet
its a multiband colinear , and i and highlander821
collaborated and built a couple of these last summer
it performs well , exhibits gain on 20 mtrs
and behaves like a g5rv on all the others
W5GI Website - Mystery Antenna
another option , would be a fan dipole
MULTI BAND HF FAN DIPOLE ANTENNA DESIGN
you could run either of these angled across your property
provided you had the supports .
as mentioned earlier , you wont have too many issues with a dipole being
very directional ,
i worked hawaii and guam earlier this year on 17 mtrs with my
w5gi, off the southern end of the antenna , not broadside
from illinois
so dont let that discourage you , just throw the damn thing up any way
you can ,
any antenna is better than none
![Love :love: :love:](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
only drawback i can see for you is you wont have a fully resonannt antenna , for 160 , but a decent antenna tuner should bring
you close on the 80 mtr section ,
hell , most nights you can hook up a wet noodle and work 160 ;-)
one other thing , you may consider a vertical ,
but most guys find that they are noisier for hf than horizontal
good luck
73 de rich