Surprising Results Using a Low-Height, Hidden Wire Antenna - by Bruce Pontius (N0ADL)

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Outline and Summary

The Hidden Wire and Compromise Antenna System Described Does Not Give Up Much Performance As Compared With Full Quarter-Wave Verticals and Other Antennas In the Same Location

Outline:

• The Need For A Hidden Antenna

• “Design” of the Non-obtrusive End-Fed Random Wire Antenna “System”

• Description of the Wire Antenna System

• Table of Antenna and Radials/Counterpoise Lengths

• On-The-Air Tests of the Wire Antenna Using SSB

• The Seemingly Good Performance of the Wire Justifies Comparisons

• Building the Ground-Plane Vertical Antennas and the Radial Systems for Comparisons

• Adjusting the Radials and the Antennas for Resonance at the Desired Center Frequencies

• On-The-Air Performance Comparisons Using SSB

• Coupling Between Antennas During Tests

• The Wire Works OK, But Is It Safe?

• Conclusions

Summary of the Article:

We live in a community that does not approve of outdoor antennas of any kind. In this article, I will discuss the performance of an almost unnoticeable end-fed random wire HF antenna and counterpoise system, and report on comparisons, on-the-air in the same location, with standard ground-plane verticals and other antenna types. We will also discuss RF radiation levels in terms of the maximum permissible exposure (MPE) recommended by the FCC, since the end-fed wire antenna starts radiating close to the operator in this case. Some information on the construction of the standard ground-plane verticals and the radials and counterpoise wires will also be presented, along with a little information on measurements and equipment.

Conclusions:

The stealth wire works. Using an end-fed wire eliminates the need for a supported center feed which can be difficult to do while keeping the antenna out of sight. If you have a problem with erecting a huge, high antenna – go ahead and string up this compromise, but very effective antenna and counterpoise system – even as a portable station.