[TowerTalk] Covert Mast and Yagi - Summary

[froggy at awaforums.com]

I've received so many good suggestions I thought I'd consolidate them 
in this post. So here, in no particular order, are my responses.

> 1. You will find that the dipoles aren't really bad antennas and
> you really can make a lot of QSOs with them;

That is a true statement. I always loved using a Windom. It's a very 
good antenna, and you're right. The dipole, and its variations, are 
very capable designs.

> 2. Depending on how much "cover" your trees give you, you can try
> a 2-wire bi-directional beam;

I am going to look into this possibility. I have more trees, than I 
have good ideas, so I should use them to good advantage.
 
> The "collapsible beam" idea may linger on, but it will fade
> unless you come up with a really remarkable idea.  If this
> happens then you will have something that will be truly
> marketable and will represent a business opportunity.  Call me
> and I will be an investor.

I'm sure you'd be a good partner, as you've come up with some great 
ideas already. No business opportunites  though. My money just keeps 
doubling and tripling as it is. It's completely out of control. No 
more money, please!!!

> Do your covenants specifically prohibit antennas?  Such a
> prohibition would be pretty drastic, given that antennas can be
> as short as a few inches.

The covenants I operate under are pretty ruthless. Not even 
transmitters, unless you're talking about garage door openers. At 
some point one has to view these realistically. In such cases, if 
there are no perceived antennas and no RFI, there is no foul. I 
realize this could be perceived more as  philosophy (or 
rationalization) than argument.

Where I live, we "closet hams" are beginning to feel like the French 
Resistance. 
 
>There is also the option of the flag pole vertical.  That might keep 
>you out of trouble with the homeowners association.

Another great idea. Force 12 makes a very reasonably priced, and well 
built, flagpole antenna. 

>At the risk of starting a flame war.... you might try one of these 
>on a push up mast

>http://www.hexbeam.com/

No flames on this end. Interesting reading indeed. It does seem to be 
a smaller footprint. Moxons are good too (small that is), and easy to 
craft.

>However, a HexBeam or Moxon would be smaller, and more
>"square" in shape, and maybe fit.  Until you get a dog.

Yeah, my luck I'd get a nice HexBeam, and have Fido rip it up during 
the day. Antennas don't eat nearly as much as a dog. I can always 
afford another antenna. Either of the two designs you mention seem to 
be remarkably compact compared to yagis.

>Are up ham?  if you are you should include your call.

Chet, Chet, Chet! You miss my point entirely. If I'm considering a 
stealth antenna, I can't very well be anything but a "stealth ham" 
now can I? Your ideas for an antenna must have been deleted. I didn't 
find them in your post, but you're certainly welcome to send the 
parts that didn't make it through.

To one and all, I'd like to thank those that responded to my 
question. This should be a good opportunity to do some "innovative" 
antenna projects. Looks like I'd better "hit the books", and research 
the excellent ideas you gentlemen/women have suggested to me.

Regards to all of you!

Mr. Low Key

Caution: Construction of antennas, in violation of CC&R's, would be 
wrong!