VARA Mtg. Apology

[Jeff Rinehart]

My genuine Apology.

I woke up feeling that I didn't adequately answer a Serious Question posed at the meeting last night regarding limited space antenna possibilities for 40 and 80 meters.  

Many folks have small yards where it is nearly impossible to even consider an 80 or 40 meter antenna.  Books have been written on this subject but the best source of information may well be on the internet.  Search for something like "Limited Space HF Antennas".

Consider searching for video's regarding POTA Antennas.  The POTA ops. have come up with some ingenious ways to make contacts using quick, simple, easy to install wire antennas.  Many are effectively using an End Fed Half Wave with a sloping wire up into a single tall tree. 

Consider also the possibility of mounting a mobile HF antenna on your vehicle and running coax into the house.  Perhaps you may have a camper, box trailer or even an open regular trailer sitting in the yard where you can mount a mobile antenna.  Just bear in mind that some antennas are nothing more than a dummy load.  So low SWR and good Power Out readings at your radio don't necessarily mean that other folks can hear you.  I have a nice one gallon paint can full of mineral oil which has low SWR too - called a Dummy Load.

One of my "Pet Peeves" is regarding those folks who have something like a 4 foot diameter loop antenna (that they paid big bucks for) sitting inside their bedroom, running a 5 watt radio - then bragging to their buddies that they made 7 contacts in just 2 hours with their "make believe" HF setup.  

Please don't be one of those people who depend on the guy on the other end having a "real radio" and good antenna setup to make up the difference for your own short-comings.  OK - I'M DONE WITH MY PET PEEVE!  And I feel better too.  Hi

I hope everyone enjoyed my presentation last night and even more, I hope that it inspired you to get on the air and make some contacts.

Jeff W4PJW

Jeff Rinehart   W4PJW

https://www.qrz.com/db/W4PJW