Minimalist urban setup, part 2

Every project worth doing will take twice as long as originally anticipated. And be double the original estimate.

After yet another trip to Bunnings (UV resistant rope and more stainless steel bolts, $70) the antenna was finally ready to go. Feed point: 8m above the ground, total length 13m. A lightweight but sturdy construction – an easy one man job.

The main thing is to keep the antenna invisible to the neighbours. Not completely invisible, of course, just unobtrusive. Something they can’t complain about. There are plenty of such antennas out there. What you’ll end up installing mainly depends on local geography and the neighbour’s willingness to tolerate your hobby. A mini 2el HF yagi could be more invisible and acceptable to neighbours than a vertical with a cobweb of colourful radials. Even a 4 element 6m band yagi would rarely raise an eyebrow. In an urban environment, smaller is better. My personal advice: never ask your neighbour for permission. Just do it.

Unfortunately, as tempting as it is, low wire zig-zagging around the block or low dipoles won’t work. It has to be a vertical: to be heard by a distant station, you want all your RF radiated under low angle, towards the horizon, not straight up.

Can’t wait for my first on-air test tonight!

(to be conducted)