[Antennas] Antenna help needed, please

Thu Mar 31 01:27:51 EST 2005

For bal. feed line, you can use coax. 2 equal lengths of 50ohm coax will yeld 100ohm bal. 
feed line. Use 75ohm coax for 150ohm. 4 pieces gives 200ohm or 300ohm. Because of the 
shield on the coax, can be run against metal surfaces with no problems. Do not recall 
exactly how it is configured, but the braid at top and bottom are connected together, but can 
not recall if the braid at the shack also connects to ground system or not. Been several 
years since I have dealt with this feed arrangement. ARRL antenna books covered it, as did 
the Handbook (if I recall correctly).
Your situation is what is commonly called 'cliff dweller'. Almost any HF antenna you use will 
be a compromise. Loaded/trap verticales might work somewhat for you, and sounds like you 
have, or are getting, permission for that kind of installation. Another idea is a pair of 
screwdriver antennas fed as a dipole. Would give you a rotable antenna for 80-10. Still not 
as good as a real antenna installation.
I would not use sand bags....I would use cinder blocks. Much neater..could be an issue.
You mentioned a medical condition......I would recommend getting cozy with some other 
hams in your area....Should be some young bucks around there to do the grunt work.
While I do not live in an apartment, I do live on a rather small city lot. I drool at some of the 
antenna farms I see others using. Finding a good antenna that fits into a limited space is a 
real challenge. Do some searching on the net. There are many ideas that others have found 
to work for them. You may get some ideas that would help you get out better.
Mel
N7OKL