[TenTec] Stealth Antennas and restricted QTHs

[Ray Sills]

Hi Clayton:

Thanks for your comments.  Fortunately, I have been able to operate,  
thanks to a Buddipole at my QTH in Savannah, GA.  I also have a home  
in Warrington, PA, and at that place, I have been using an AlexLoop  
mag loop antenna... mostly on 40 meters.  Down in GA, there are a lot  
of military facilities nearby, so getting permission to have a  
"flagpole" might be possible.  The HOA there routinely grants  
permission for residents to put satellite TV dishes either on the  
roof of a unit, or on a post in the common area.  So, it might be  
possible to get official permission for a modest ham antenna.  The  
big deal there is to have the antenna -not- seen from the street.  If  
I can do that, I'm sure they'll OK it.

The PA HOA is much more strict.  There are only one or two people  
with dishes, and I suspect that's because the FCC requiring  
accommodation for 1 meter or less TV receiving dishes.  But, the  
building at the PA QTH is a 3-story unit, so -maybe- feeding the  
downspout (it's on the corner of my unit, but the bedroom) is a real  
possibility.  Haven't tried it yet!

I know some hams are critical of that group of us who -willingly- buy  
a home with HOA restrictions, and/or CC&Rs.  But, sometimes, you have  
to compromise.. for your own interests, the XYL's interests, and the  
home you would like to live in... based on it's amenities and location.

Bottom line: where there's a will, there's a way!

73 de Ray
K2ULR

On Nov 29, 2010, at 8:32 PM, Clayton Brantley wrote:

> Ray:
>
> Liked your ideas and thoughts on the restricted places we find  
> today.  I am
> fortunate were I live because all around me are the restricted
> developments.
>
> I was going to "flagpole" my 5BTV but decided to just put it up in  
> the backyard
> and then defend my action.  In 5 years, the has not been
> one comment!  I also have a 40/75 meter dipole in the attic and it  
> works.
> Perhaps not as good as being outdoors, but if I hear them I can
> work them.
>
> I read an email just a while ago that said that a wire outside is  
> better that
> nothing.  I agree.
>
> Good luck and hop you can get on undercover!
>
> Clayton N4EV
>