[CQ-Contest] Fw: Re: New Contester needs advice

[k7qq@netzero.com]

I used a old mobile whip on my motor home from Illinois about 3 years ago to work the SS contest,  Not a big score but I did manage a clean sweep.  You have to keep in mind that the best antenna doesn't exist. You can only get up what you can and it is never enough.  I think that the suggestion for a 20 / 40 Meter antenna is excelent but I would at least try to cover the old bands or 80 thru 10 , You just never can tell when 10 will pop open, then the low power and poor antenna do at least work.
Rex  K7QQ


---------- Forwarded Message ----------
As we are heading toward the bottom of the sunspot cycle you should put a
low priority on 10m and 15m.  20m and 40m are going to be the most active
bands for the next couple years.  So the plan for a 40m dipole as far up as
you can get it is good.  And if you can build a small beam for 20m that
would be the most useful for the immediate future.  


David Robbins K1TTT
 

> -----Original Message-----
> To: cq-contest at contesting.com
> Subject: [CQ-Contest] New Contester needs advice
> 
> I am new to HF contesting after some limited experience in VHF contesting.
> As of now I do not have any HF antennas put up so was going to ask a
> simple
> question.
> 
> What would be the best antenna for me as a new contester? I am only a
> Tech+
> but hope to get General later in July 2005 and my Extra before Dec.
> 31,2005
> (New Years resolution), my first HF rig is going to be a ICOM 718 because
> of
> limited funding at this time. My mobile home community restricts me from
> using any trees on other spaces and there is no trees on my space, however
> I
> can attach any thing I want to to my trailer as long as I don't go much
> over
> 30' high.
> 
> I was thinking of a 40 meter dipole as high as I can get it and use a
> tuner
> for 10 - 40 operations. Was also looking into some homebrew beam antennas
> (builder supply specials) for 10,15 and maybe even 20 meters.
> 
> I am heading in the right direction or lost in space?
> 
> Jacob Tennant - K8JWT
>