I would try a dipole inside, hung around the room near the ceiling. I
would think a 20M one is probably do-able - it doesn't need to be in
a straight line, and a tuner would let you use it on other bands as well.
Jerry W4UK
At 02:19 PM 7/16/2012, Greg - N3ZL wrote:
>Hi all,
>
>I have had a bit of contact with a few SECCers in recent months, but
>much. I graduated from Clemson in May and moved into an apartment in
>Greenville, SC shortly afterwards for a job doing quality assurance
>work for a software company. I have been getting adjusted to the new
>"life" and am getting fairly settled in at this point. I have most
>of my ham gear with me, there are a few things at my parents house,
>but the majority of it is with me. I am looking forward to
>participating in some contests again very soon -- once I get an
>antenna figured out.
>
>My apartment is on the 2nd floor in a 3 story complex, at the end of
>the building. Unfortunately, there are no trees nearby my window (I
>have a charming view of the parking lot) and, of course, my
>apartment complex has a strict "no external antennas of any type"
>policy. Several times now I have deployed a 20m dipole out my window
>late at night, one end tied to my small balcony and the other end
>more or less just dangling free, and managed to work some EU
>stations. I need a more long term solution though. I have been
>considering many different antenna options -- my favorite being a
>yagi on a tripod mounted on the roof.... I can dream! -- but given
>the logistics of the layout of my complex and everything, I think
>I'll start out with a long "invisible" dipole cut for 160m. I think
>I can make that work if I use thin enough wire, tie off the ends
>using fishing line to help keep it out of sight of the neighbors.
>Additionally, are relatively good tie off points around that length,
>with the center point being at my window. It wouldn't be great but
>it would be a whole lot better than no antenna and hopefully will
>get me going on all the bands.
>
>I've been reading over a lot of stealth/apartment antenna materials
>in recent weeks but if anyone has any brilliant suggestions I've
>been overlooking, please do let me know! Hope to QRV again very soon.
>
>73 de Greg N3ZL
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