So, for the short term, I've opted to go with a variant of a buddipole. Two 20m vertical ham sticks tied together with a MFJ-347. This basically turns it into a 1/4 wave dipole....not ideal compared to a 1/2 wave, but I have been picking up stations from as far away as Hungary, the Slovak Republic and even Brazil. So, it does work.
The real question I have is transmitting.
I got a LDG antenna tuner and it does seem to be adjusting the SWR down to anywhere from 1.2-1.5:1. I can see the watt meter indicating transmission to full power set on the radio.
However, I am unsure as to whether I'm really getting out. I have the radio sitting on the railing of my back deck which is about 12 feet off the ground. Again, I know it isn't ideal. I'm thinking that I've got myself a nice NVIS setup right now with out intending to. The railing is made from the PVC type stuff...think TimberTech or Trex...same stuff. Would that inhibit transmission in any way? I can't see how since it isn't metal.
I'll be putting it onto a tripod with a mast of about 6 feet and leaving it on the back deck...so this would give me about 18 feet above ground. I'll try that tonight, time permitting.
Anyone see any logic with my thinking or deductions here? Am I missing anything?
Thanks
The real question I have is transmitting.
I got a LDG antenna tuner and it does seem to be adjusting the SWR down to anywhere from 1.2-1.5:1. I can see the watt meter indicating transmission to full power set on the radio.
However, I am unsure as to whether I'm really getting out. I have the radio sitting on the railing of my back deck which is about 12 feet off the ground. Again, I know it isn't ideal. I'm thinking that I've got myself a nice NVIS setup right now with out intending to. The railing is made from the PVC type stuff...think TimberTech or Trex...same stuff. Would that inhibit transmission in any way? I can't see how since it isn't metal.
I'll be putting it onto a tripod with a mast of about 6 feet and leaving it on the back deck...so this would give me about 18 feet above ground. I'll try that tonight, time permitting.
Anyone see any logic with my thinking or deductions here? Am I missing anything?
Thanks