Inverted V for 6 metres anyone?...just testing the water....

Hi Gents,

Recently, I've been wondering how easy or successful it would be for me to make a covert inverted V for 6 metres? i.e. a '˄'........ On paper, it looks fine and dandy, and I'll be mounting it in the loft initially, or on the roof, at East to West.  I think I might be trying to justify to myself the purchase of a fandango HF rig, however I can't be sure.....

Cheers

Simon.

Hiya Simon,

Ahhh, knew that spangly Ham call sign would soon have you dribbling for more of the RF spectrum!


Despite what is often said and myths abound attic antenna do certainly work as myself and many others can attest to. If you need any reassuring it'd be worth taking a look at the following link :-

https://www.ncrc.org.uk/attic_index.html

Worth noting also that RF does indeed travel through tiles whether wet, dry, covered in snow, concrete, slate or otherwise. Even 'foil' lining is actually mylar plastic and not metal at all!

It's also worth noting that you don't need a large attic space to hang an antenna 'straight' and can get away with a number of clever folds. You can see notes concerning such things at the following link :-

https://www.qsl.net/kk4obi/index.html

So yes, all perfectly feasible.


You'll probably come against the notion of RFI, interference etc. with indoor antennas but most of these noise sources are usually within your very own home. Nowadays computers, phones, USB chargers, etc. are everywhere and usually due to the clever or even cheap methods of power conversion produce some noise. With higher frequency electronic switching speeds and internal clock systems that problem can be even worse. You don't need to overcomplicate such things by slinging toroids randomly around cables but simply power off or unplug each item individually until any RF noise disappears. Recently I found my Baofeng charger wipes out lower HF reception for me so ensured I never charged whilst I was on HF and then later changed the wall adapter which didn't produce noise! You don't have to chase your tail to alleviate such problems and yes, you can cure them.


The real fun comes about when you want a multi band antenna and start digging into SWR losses, ladderline feeders ATU's etc. I'm pretty much exploring these options myself and dipped my toe into the water of such antennas recently :-

https://charlietangodxgroup.forumotion.com/t4296-skip-hunting-for-hunting-skip#34112

Thinking of which, I might have to see if it tunes for 6m not bothering so far as I don't have 6m gear.


Never let anything stop you from trying to get on air without trying it for yourself. Maths, charts, technical explanations are all well and good but not when it is pontification to the point of prevention.

Have fun!

All the best,
Victor

Good evening Victor,

Apologies for the delay in responding....I've been either working or wedding planning!  As ever, you have posted absolutely fascinating links in your reply, which I'm currently delving into......I think I may just be able to pass a section in the Intermediate, if my brain could only absorb all the information!!

Thanks chap,

Simon.

No worries there Simon and I hope you're enjoying the whole learning experience whether you pursue Intermediate or not.

It's good to explore anything we can to enjoy our chosen hobby without unnecessary barriers. Too often I've seen antenna ideas for 'small garden plots' and the damn things are 15m square(!) or other outrageous measurements. Reminds me of the old snobby, "What do you mean old man? You don't have the plot size for a full wave 160m loop? Fwah, fwah, guffaw, fwah!".

Keep at it mate.


All the best,
Victor