[TowerTalk] Antenna Side-mounted to Tower

[KA9OFM John Garrett]

I have never been one to mess with 2 meters but recently I have found an
interest and I am thinking of mounting an antenna on the side of my tower. I
intend to make the antenna and am thinking of a colinear design. I have been
told that if I make a J-Pole I will not be able to mount it to the side of
the tower even if I extend it out say 4 feet. Thus I am limited to a ground
plane. Can anyone give me some advise on this? How far away should an
antenna be so it does not effect the SWR? Is it true that the J-Pole will
not work next to the tower?

Thanks for your help.

73,
John, KA9OFM