[VHFcontesting] Height vs. foliage

[George Sintchak]

Patrick,
Assuming moving your home to higher ground location is not an option, a roof 
tripod will be a (relatively cheap) option and give you a reasonable 
improvement. A better solution would be a fixed tower (Rohn 25G) with a 
house bracket at one end of the house. That could give you 25-40 ft above 
your roof without guys if you don't overload it at the top.  Do you climb 
towers? Or you could use a Hazer or a bucket truck for antenna work. Another 
way would be to use a hinged base and tilt it over for antenna work.
What kind of trees are around you and do they lose their leaves in winter? 
How far are the trees from your antennas? Is your terrain flat around you 
for several miles - no big hills in your most favored direction? Always 
compromises to consider.

73's, George, WA2VNV
HF+50-1296, SOLP, FN30kv
146.760 Analog/448.825 UHF DMR




> Speaking of VHF contesting, and my ongoing poor results with my 
> below-roof-mounted 2m beam at the home QTH, I figured I would ask the 
> experts here for some advice.
>
> Operating under the knowledge that more height is better, I am already at 
> a disadvantage being about 15-20' below average terrain.  Additionally I 
> am surrounded by extremely dense trees covering all heights up to about 
> 50'.  The city has an ordinance limiting antennas to 42', although there 
> is provision for a variance.
>
> Assuming I come across $5-10k, I believe I could legally get away with 
> putting in a freestanding 70' crank-up tower, but so far I have other 
> financial priorities, and I haven't yet won the lottery.
>
> So here's the punchline: Is it worth getting a small tower or roof-mount 
> quadpod (total height 25-40 ft), knowing the antenna will still being 
> surrounded by trees?  Or will I be happier in the long run saving my 
> pennies and concrete, and just roving until I can afford something taller? 
> Due to my lot configuration, guying is not an option, but are there any 
> other permanent-mounted, great-lakes-weather-resistant, tall options out 
> there I should consider?  I expect to operate up to 23cm, as possible, but 
> would expect most "serious" work would be only up to 2m.
>
> Thanks for any advice,
>
> Patrick / KB8DGC
>
>
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