Brilliant HF antennas for high rise dwellers

If you have ever tried transmitting on HF from a tall block of apartments, where it’s just not possible to erect a substantial aerial system, then this article is for YOU!


The limitations imposed are not so much that of limited space (although this can be a problem) but strict Rules and Regulations that prevent the erection of any beam or vertical rod aerial.
However, the very fact that the signal is going to leap into space from a good height above ground can be, in certain respects, a bonus, so all is not lost.

Continue reading on this wevsite http://www.iw5edi.com/ham-radio/2288/hf-antennas-high-rise-dwellers

We thank

IW5EDI Simone for the excellent information...

Hi Andrew,

Just to let you know that I deleted your other post with this same subject to prevent any possible confusion as per the 'cross posting' rules of the forum :-

https://charlietangodxgroup.forumotion.com/t2-charlie-tango-forum-rules

I've left this one here as the 'antenna discussion' section is the more appropriate place for such subject material.



Radio operators will find ingenious methods to get themselves on air particularly with antenna systems often coming up with some inventive solutions.

I would however very much take heed of the advice in the article as regards anyone's personal safety especially involving the dangers of working at heights. The current Amateur Radio examination does briefly cover this with a section on ladder safety as it wouldn't be the first time someone had fallen off even a house roof in their quest for antenna solutions. It's usually not the fall that injures and kills but the sudden stop at the end.

If in doubt over such safety concerns there are other solutions such as balcony or window antennas and even the diminutive magnetic loop can all work rather well.

My other concern with antenna solutions is heeding the Electromagnetic field or EMF compliance regulations :-

https://www.ofcom.org.uk/spectrum/emf/compliance-and-enforcement-guidance

and :-

https://rsgb.org/main/technical/emc/emf-exposure/

Especially as such an antenna installation will cross the boundaries of other apartments and the people within.


There are also the direct dangers of someone inadvertantly touching such an antenna wire receiving a voltage shock or even indeed RF burn should the antenna stray into their inquisitive view. They could well be the innocent party reaching out for this unexpected 'wire' whilst you are transmitting.

My other concern would be the raised potential for such end fed antennas to cause RFI to other residents and if such an occurrence should happen that 'hidden' antenna won't remain hidden for long. If an investigative procedure were to be carried out they would soon locate the source of transmissions and it would also not be looked upon favourably probably citing many regulations including the EMF compliance already mentioned especially if intentionally 'hidden'.

Apartment structures can often contain shared television antenna systems (even in this day and age of cabled or internet streamed TV) often with amplification systems easily disturbed by others transmissions raising the potential to cause interference.

Such an antenna installation may also not work very well depending on the architectural structure of the building. Concrete buildings are often reinforced with vast amounts of reinforcing steel as can be apparent brick buildings with steel beam constructions being obvious. These will all affect the antenna operation let alone service infrastructure within the building such as plumbing and electrical installations. 

Also nowadays there are many sources of interference caused to radio reception from the multiple electronic devices of modern life. It can be hard enough to locate your own RFI emitting devices let alone a neighbours and in an apartment situation with many dwellers multiplied accordingly.


I know, none of that sounds too good but it often pays to be aware of such problems before investing time into such 'solutions' especially when there are others completely innocent of your hobby interests......let alone any disappointment on your behalf with a possibly poor operating antenna.


You can always of course operate as a portable station with many successfully following such ventures, whether in a vehicle, on a bicycle or even indeed on foot. 


Thanks for posting, always good to see information shared on the forum as well as the sometimes informative discussions that can occur from them.

All the best,
Victor

+1 on the above.
I was just thinking of 40mtr of wire dropping down past how many phone chargers and the likes lol.
I have seen on forums people doing this for an antenna but would think it would only be slightly safe to use at night when folks are in bed away from the window or balcony but would get you on the air.

I stumbled upon this post while searching google for interesting Antenna designs.
Thought this would be of a little help to some and a great talking point for most, glad you enjoyed..