I think MFJ makes an antenna for apartments.  It uses a counterpoise.
Check eham.net for reviews.

73 Barry K9BAY
On Jan 30, 2012 6:37 PM, "william northcote" <william.northcote@...>
wrote:

> **
>
>
> You could try a EH Antenna. Small and less obtrusive than a large array of
> antennas
>
> Will
> 2E0WHN
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Currently Tech class, about to take general test. Call is KM5MFP.

Antenna needs are 2m/70cm but want to get prepared for other bands.



--- In FT897@yahoogroups.com, "John Murphy" <jmurphy7411@...> wrote:
>
> I think if you let us know more about the bands you want to cover/work, it
> would be helpful. And then we could recommend antennas for you. What class
> license do you hold? What is you call?
>
>
>
>
>
> 73 de KCØJPO/AFA8JP
> PopComm Monitoring Station KPC0JPO
>
> John Murphy
> "When all else fails...Amateur Radio"
>
> Am. Leg. Post 253, White Shield, ND
>
> AFMARS Nothwest Area, Region 8
>
> Mountrail County (ND) ARES/RACES
>
> Owner, Oil Country Radio's
>
> 701-421-1134
>
> New Town, ND 58763
>
> Business Email:  <mailto:ocr58763@...> ocr58763@...
>
> Personal Email:  <mailto:jmurphy7411@...> jmurphy7411@...
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> From: FT897@yahoogroups.com [mailto:FT897@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of
> chiefreddog3e000
> Sent: Monday, January 30, 2012 8:21 AM
> To: FT897@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: [FT897] apartment antenna
>
>
>
>
>
> Have a FT-897, with AT-897 and live in an apartment. I am on the ground
> floor and have a garage. Trying to establish my shack in the garage and
> looking for an inexpensive antenna(s). Any help would be greatly
> appreciated.
>
>
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

http://chameleonantenna.com


--- In FT897@yahoogroups.com, JP Douglas <josedouglas@...> wrote:
>
> Shon,
>
> The GAP Eagle vertical we (my YL and !) use is actually a vertical dipole and
doesn't behave (have the same noise issues as most vertical do) as one. It does
40 thru 10 metres and doesn't require a tuner.
> We've had great results with it for the three years we've had it.
>
> 73 de Jose, KB1TCD
>
>
>
>
>
> ________________________________
>  From: SC <bredalrv@...>
> To: FT897@yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Sunday, January 29, 2012 12:21 AM
> Subject: [FT897] Re: Help in Picking a Home Base Antenna
>
>
>  
> Hi, Thanks everyone for the help I have a Chimney mast mount right know and
looking for something to use on it. I know the Maldol HVU-8 has very narrow
bandwidth can you use the ATAS-120  on the HF on a mast or just on the VHF and
UHF I think you would need some kind of ground radials for it  not sure if I can
run a big wire antenna
>
> Thanks
>
> Shon KJ6FNN
>
> 73
>
> --- In FT897@yahoogroups.com, Tim <tim@> wrote:
> >
> > Hi Ed,
> >
> > The floating dipole is very good and you system if well thought out. Looked
like the small coax was making a pretty sharp bend coming out of the connector.
> >
> > I have been considering an off center fed dipole for a second antenna.
> >
> > Tim
> > KE4KE
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > On Jan 27, 2012, at 6:14 PM, plaisaeb wrote:
> >
> > > Today the weather was good and I have recently rejiggered the antenna yet
again and taken some pictures
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FT897/photos/album/567564461/pic/list?mode=tn&orde\
r=ordinal&start=1&count=20&dir=asc
> > >
> > > I call it a "floating dipole" because the antenna is essentially floating
between sets of pulleys. The pix are all about 10 megapixels, so you can zoom in
and see the details...lots of branches in the way.
> > >
> > > On one side I have a 10 lb barbell weight and on the other side a bucket
filled with 10 lbs of dirt to balance. Fancy.
> > >
> > > The double pulleys are on the outer ends of the wire and single pulleys
are on the inner side...simple block-and-tackle arrangement...
> > > the wire goes out from the center insulator, around one pulley wheel on
the double pulley, back to the single pulley, around that wheel, and finally
back to the other wheel on the double pulley, where it is tied.
> > >
> > > By pulling the ropes in the center, I can shorten the antenna...or the
reverse by letting the rope out. I marked the wire with highlighters and with a
twist-tie so I can see where it is. The whole length of wire on each leg is
about 36 feet. (I realize it is probably too short for 1/2 wave on 40m. Next
time I will cut it a bit longer.)
> > >
> > > If you want to include 40m operation,you need to have enough rope in the
center to let it out to 40m...also you will need extra rope at the ends across
the pulleys that you will need to gather onto a spool of some sort...the weight
will settle on the ground, so you will need to shorten the rope as the antenna
extends.
> > >
> > > If you don't want to bother with 40m, you can shorten everything and use
only one pulley at the wire end to move between 10m and 20m. (Basically, you
will be going between 10m full-wave and 20m half-wave, which is not very much
distance.)
> > >
> > > Right now, each leg is about 16 feet extended and I get a decent null on
the antenna bridge at 14.225MHz...with a small adjustment I can also get a null
at 10m.
> > >
> > > But, I also get 200 ohms impedance which means I have about 4:1 SWR...it
seems the solution is a 4:1 balun.
> > >
> > > That is the next project.
> > >
> > > Then, I want to see about configuring this same dipole as a Windom...with
my pulley arrangement, it should very simple.
> > >
> > > Regards,
> > > Ed
> > > KB3TMI
> > >
> > > --- In FT897@yahoogroups.com, Tim <tim@> wrote:
> > >>
> > >> Hi Ed,
> > >>
> > >> Just have to say very good on the experimenting. All that time spent will
be evident in a few years when you realize that you understand some things that
you didn't know before. Just be careful not to draw conclusions too quickly. I
use a pulley because I don't really like heights. So I got myself to climb the
tower behind the work location. Thought I was pretty high up, hehe, turned out
to be only 38 ft.
> > >>
> > >> Most of the time I use a sling shot and fishing line to put up antennas
in trees. No climbing involved!
> > >>
> > >> Take some pictures and give us more of a description of what you are
doing and trying to accomplish and maybe we can help you past a hurdle or two.
> > >>
> > >> That goes for anyone on the list new to building an antenna.
> > >>
> > >> Right now I am using a homemade G5RV. It's just 102 feet of #14 stranded
electrical wire split at the middle and fed with 33 ft of 450 ladder line down
to a 4:1 balun. I have another one with 31 ft of ladder line. Can't tell any
difference so far. RG-6 goes from the balun into the radio which right now is an
IC-703+. Sorry, I just sold my FT-897D, it's a great ice radio though. Made 71
contacts for NAQP and 2 contacts for the VHF contest on 6 meters this last
weekend. (10 watts)
> > >>
> > >> I keep reading about people using off center fed dipoles. Guess I am
going to have to investigate those. Also here is one that another ham nearby was
using when we met on 12 meters.
> > >>
> > >> http://sites.google.com/site/wvfisher/hdoublebay
> > >>
> > >> I am definitely going to build a couple of those very soon.
> > >>
> > >>
> > >> Tim
> > >> KE4KE
> > >>
> > >>
> > >>
> > >> On Jan 23, 2012, at 9:30 AM, Ed Plaisance wrote:
> > >>
> > >>> I have recently gotten on the air with my FT897D. For many years I was
> > >>> just an SWL, so I was familiar with antennas. I had made several simple
> > >>> dipoles for no more than a few bucks. But I knew that for transmitting
> > >>> there are different constraints...principally length and height. But I
> > >>> was going to start with a dipole...
> > >>>
> > >>> I went to Home Depot and bought a 500-foot spool of #14 stranded wire
> > >>> for about $50...I figured that would give me enough wire to waste on
> > >>> experimenting, if necessary. Several ceramic "egg" insulators (had to
> > >>> get them online) and plastic rope. Of course some coax and connectors.
> > >>>
> > >>> And thank God for Google. Found a website that calculates wavelengths.
> > >>> Since I wanted to be able to switch fairly easily from 20m to 10m and
> > >>> possibly to 40, I thought "pulleys!" and through trial and error found a
> > >>> combination of pulleys, weights and lengths of rope that allow this.
> > >>> Fortunately, I have enough yard space and trees. But it is always a
> > >>> "work in progress".
> > >>>
> > >>> Having found that my propagation tended to be limited to the upper
> > >>> mid-west (I am on the Eastern Shore of Maryland), I rejiggered the whole
> > >>> thing, trying to optimize the pulley configuration. I must say that
> > >>> working with pulleys is wonderful brain exercise.
> > >>>
> > >>> Having done that and testing it over the past weekend with the QSO
> > >>> Party...I found it works WORSE...so back to the drawing board.
> > >>>
> > >>> I am going to beat this dipole  thing and not spend hundreds of
> > >>> bucks...but this propagation issue now has me looking at verticals and I
> > >>> spent several hours on Google yesterday researching home brew 20m
antennas.
> > >>>
> > >>> I have heard it said that you should spend twice as much on your antenna
> > >>> as you did on your radio...that sounds crazy to me...however, if we are
> > >>> talking about TIME spent, well that I won't argue with.
> > >>>
> > >>> Ed
> > >>> KB3TMI
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>> ------------------------------------
> > >>>
> > >>> Yahoo! Groups Links
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > ------------------------------------
> > >
> > > Yahoo! Groups Links
> > >
> > >
> > >
> >
>
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

You can try a magnetic loop antenna. I just bought one (ML 40 HP) and am
using it on 20m from inside the house. Spoke to Estonia, poland, italy
etc... from the netherlands using 5 watt, SSB on 20m

This is the one I have:G4TPH - ML 40 HP
<http://www.g4tph.com/g4tph_products_portable_antenna_magloop_magnetic_l\
oop_g4tph.html>

73, CaseyPD1CA

--- In FT897@yahoogroups.com, william northcote <william.northcote@...>
wrote:
>
> You could try a EH Antenna.  Small and less obtrusive than a large
array of
> antennas
>
> Will
> 2E0WHN
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Chameleon Antenna has some excellent offerings at a reasonable price, I have the
897 & AT897 as you do and am having excellent experience with the Chameleon
HYBRID and MIL combo.

--- In FT897@yahoogroups.com, "chiefreddog3e000" <chiefreddog3e000@...> wrote:
>
> Have a FT-897, with AT-897 and live in an apartment.  I am on the ground floor
and have a garage.  Trying to establish my shack in the garage and looking for
an inexpensive antenna(s).  Any help would be greatly appreciated.
>

Hi

New to the list. Currently have an FT817 and love it! Mostly use hombrew
wire antennas.

When I got started the FT897 was too much and since then, things have
changed.

So am now looking to upgrade. The question is really an FT897 or FT450D
since there is no shortage of 2m/70cm gear here. ;-)

Will search the archives for previous answers. Seems like the familiarity
with the menus and functions on the 817 scales up easily to the 897. And I
do take my 817 portable which should continue post upgrade.

73 and thanks in advance for all the information!

Chris
KJ6GLR


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

HI,

The Eh antenna, hummm?
See the site PY1AHD...and yahoo video, test about this antenna...
He have Loop magnetic, this antenna is small but is very good.
I used in field operation, is really good. with 5w I covered about 2000km.
I was in beach, long island... Iwas two qso´s in 18 e 14mhz.
See the yahoo and the site and draw your own conclusions ...



2012/2/1 B Young <youngbar0978@...>

> I think MFJ makes an antenna for apartments.  It uses a counterpoise.
> Check eham.net for reviews.
>
> 73 Barry K9BAY
> On Jan 30, 2012 6:37 PM, "william northcote" <william.northcote@...>
> wrote:
>
> > **
> >
> >
> > You could try a EH Antenna. Small and less obtrusive than a large array
> of
> > antennas
> >
> > Will
> > 2E0WHN
> >
> > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> >
> >
> >
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>


--
--  .-  -..
73&CUL
PY2TR
DONDI.
GG67RA


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

All:

I agree the magnetic loop may be a good way to go. Anything that keeps
the entire antenna system outside or as much away from apartment wiring
and devices is going to help get more signal out, minimize noise into
the antenna from the apartment, and limit interference with devices in
the apartment.

As to the EH antenna... Please do some reading on this antenna before
you think about trying one. Here's a Yahoo group with some good
information on the claims made.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ehantenna/

Despite the developer's claims, the only way the EH antenna works is by
using feed-line radiation. This is not what you want for an apartment
antenna. If you try to choke off those common-mode currents on the
transmission line the antenna will not work so it's not a good candidate
(for any use IMHO).

Chuck - N8DNX


On 2/2/2012 5:48 AM, Dondi wrote:
> HI,
>
> The Eh antenna, hummm?
> See the site PY1AHD...and yahoo video, test about this antenna...
> He have Loop magnetic, this antenna is small but is very good.
> I used in field operation, is really good. with 5w I covered about 2000km.
> I was in beach, long island... Iwas two qso´s in 18 e 14mhz.
> See the yahoo and the site and draw your own conclusions ...
>
>

If the packaging for being more portable, or other modes on 2m and 440 isn't
desired you'll probably want the FT-450D. More modern IF DSP filtering from
their larger rigs.

Jason - N6WBL

On 02/01/2012 01:34 PM, Chris Harwood wrote:
> Hi
>
> New to the list. Currently have an FT817 and love it! Mostly use hombrew
> wire antennas.
>
> When I got started the FT897 was too much and since then, things have
> changed.
>
> So am now looking to upgrade. The question is really an FT897 or FT450D
> since there is no shortage of 2m/70cm gear here. ;-)
>
> Will search the archives for previous answers. Seems like the familiarity
> with the menus and functions on the 817 scales up easily to the 897. And I
> do take my 817 portable which should continue post upgrade.
>
> 73 and thanks in advance for all the information!
>
> Chris
> KJ6GLR

I was making the same decision last year and went with the 897 ( The
Kenwood TS-480 was on the short list as well ).   I did not have a 2M or
440 base here and had no 2M or 440 SSB / CW capability - that
was a major factor with the 897 purchase - that and the ability to use
the internal
batteries or power supply - I have a higher expectation of portability
and ruggedness
from the 897D.

I liked the internal antenna tuner on the 450 but from what I read it
was inadequate
for the antennas that I use as it has a very limited range.

The 450 is MUCH easier to do the wideband mod on than the 897 if you want
to open up 60 M 0 but thats one channel, and its not available yet.

Net - after 5 months of very frequent use I am very pleased with the
FT897D.  I use all bands from 160 - 440 and all modes.  ( SSB, CW, AM,
FM, PSK, RTTY, JT65 etc. ) .  It took me a few days  to get used to the
menus .  I also run Ham Radio Deluxe for rig control and that interfaces
well but honestly I do not 'need' HRD to be effective with the radio -
but it does simplify things when I am tweaking settings.





On 2/1/2012 3:34 PM, Chris Harwood wrote:
>
> Hi
>
> New to the list. Currently have an FT817 and love it! Mostly use hombrew
> wire antennas.
>
> When I got started the FT897 was too much and since then, things have
> changed.
>
> So am now looking to upgrade. The question is really an FT897 or FT450D
> since there is no shortage of 2m/70cm gear here. ;-)
>
> Will search the archives for previous answers. Seems like the familiarity
> with the menus and functions on the 817 scales up easily to the 897. And I
> do take my 817 portable which should continue post upgrade.
>
> 73 and thanks in advance for all the information!
>
> Chris
> KJ6GLR
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>
> No virus found in this message.
> Checked by AVG - www.avg.com <http://www.avg.com>
> Version: 2012.0.1913 / Virus Database: 2112/4779 - Release Date: 02/01/12
>


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hello! Regarding the newer dsp technology, I agree.  Also, the 450D has the
built-in tuner, which is a nice bonus, and its bigger display is very nice. 
However, I must add that I spoke with the Yaesu rep at a recent DX convention
and he said that the 897D can come very close to rivaling the 450D's receive
capabilites when the Collins filters are installed.
73, Rob KD7H

--- In FT897@yahoogroups.com, Jason Turning <jturning@...> wrote:
>
>
> If the packaging for being more portable, or other modes on 2m and 440 isn't
> desired you'll probably want the FT-450D. More modern IF DSP filtering from
> their larger rigs.
>
> Jason - N6WBL
>
> On 02/01/2012 01:34 PM, Chris Harwood wrote:
> > Hi
> >
> > New to the list. Currently have an FT817 and love it! Mostly use hombrew
> > wire antennas.
> >
> > When I got started the FT897 was too much and since then, things have
> > changed.
> >
> > So am now looking to upgrade. The question is really an FT897 or FT450D
> > since there is no shortage of 2m/70cm gear here. ;-)
> >
> > Will search the archives for previous answers. Seems like the familiarity
> > with the menus and functions on the 817 scales up easily to the 897. And I
> > do take my 817 portable which should continue post upgrade.
> >
> > 73 and thanks in advance for all the information!
> >
> > Chris
> > KJ6GLR
>

I have a ground-mounted GAP Challenger here. It’s quiet because it is deaf!
My homebrew 135 ft long OCF dipole with a 6/1 balun  outperforms the Gap in most
cases  on all bands up to 10 meters and most certainly outperforms the GAP as an
NVIS antenna on 80 meters (haven’t used it as an NVIS antenna on 40 and 30
meters).
If you want a good vertical, use a 41 to 43 ft high antenna with lots of radials
and a remote tuner at the base of the antenna. Even then, the antenna won’t be
a good NVIS radiator for local nets.

Cheers, Deme, VE7CRT.
From: Guido
Sent: Monday, January 30, 2012 9:04 PM
To: FT897@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [FT897] Re: Help in Picking a Home Base Antenna


http://chameleonantenna.com

--- In mailto:FT897%40yahoogroups.com, JP Douglas <josedouglas@...> wrote:
>
> Shon,
>
> The GAP Eagle vertical we (my YL and !) use is actually a vertical dipole and
doesn't behave (have the same noise issues as most vertical do) as one. It does
40 thru 10 metres and doesn't require a tuner.
> We've had great results with it for the three years we've had it.
>
> 73 de Jose, KB1TCD
>
>
>
>
>
> ________________________________
> From: SC <bredalrv@...>
> To: mailto:FT897%40yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Sunday, January 29, 2012 12:21 AM
> Subject: [FT897] Re: Help in Picking a Home Base Antenna
>
>
> Â
> Hi, Thanks everyone for the help I have a Chimney mast mount right know and
looking for something to use on it. I know the Maldol HVU-8 has very narrow
bandwidth can you use the ATAS-120 on the HF on a mast or just on the VHF and
UHF I think you would need some kind of ground radials for it not sure if I can
run a big wire antenna
>
> Thanks
>
> Shon KJ6FNN
>
> 73
>
> --- In mailto:FT897%40yahoogroups.com, Tim <tim@> wrote:
> >
> > Hi Ed,
> >
> > The floating dipole is very good and you system if well thought out. Looked
like the small coax was making a pretty sharp bend coming out of the connector.
> >
> > I have been considering an off center fed dipole for a second antenna.
> >
> > Tim
> > KE4KE
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > On Jan 27, 2012, at 6:14 PM, plaisaeb wrote:
> >
> > > Today the weather was good and I have recently rejiggered the antenna yet
again and taken some pictures
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FT897/photos/album/567564461/pic/list?mode=tn&orde\
r=ordinal&start=1&count=20&dir=asc
> > >
> > > I call it a "floating dipole" because the antenna is essentially floating
between sets of pulleys. The pix are all about 10 megapixels, so you can zoom in
and see the details...lots of branches in the way.
> > >
> > > On one side I have a 10 lb barbell weight and on the other side a bucket
filled with 10 lbs of dirt to balance. Fancy.
> > >
> > > The double pulleys are on the outer ends of the wire and single pulleys
are on the inner side...simple block-and-tackle arrangement...
> > > the wire goes out from the center insulator, around one pulley wheel on
the double pulley, back to the single pulley, around that wheel, and finally
back to the other wheel on the double pulley, where it is tied.
> > >
> > > By pulling the ropes in the center, I can shorten the antenna...or the
reverse by letting the rope out. I marked the wire with highlighters and with a
twist-tie so I can see where it is. The whole length of wire on each leg is
about 36 feet. (I realize it is probably too short for 1/2 wave on 40m. Next
time I will cut it a bit longer.)
> > >
> > > If you want to include 40m operation,you need to have enough rope in the
center to let it out to 40m...also you will need extra rope at the ends across
the pulleys that you will need to gather onto a spool of some sort...the weight
will settle on the ground, so you will need to shorten the rope as the antenna
extends.
> > >
> > > If you don't want to bother with 40m, you can shorten everything and use
only one pulley at the wire end to move between 10m and 20m. (Basically, you
will be going between 10m full-wave and 20m half-wave, which is not very much
distance.)
> > >
> > > Right now, each leg is about 16 feet extended and I get a decent null on
the antenna bridge at 14.225MHz...with a small adjustment I can also get a null
at 10m.
> > >
> > > But, I also get 200 ohms impedance which means I have about 4:1 SWR...it
seems the solution is a 4:1 balun.
> > >
> > > That is the next project.
> > >
> > > Then, I want to see about configuring this same dipole as a Windom...with
my pulley arrangement, it should very simple.
> > >
> > > Regards,
> > > Ed
> > > KB3TMI
> > >
> > > --- In mailto:FT897%40yahoogroups.com, Tim <tim@> wrote:
> > >>
> > >> Hi Ed,
> > >>
> > >> Just have to say very good on the experimenting. All that time spent will
be evident in a few years when you realize that you understand some things that
you didn't know before. Just be careful not to draw conclusions too quickly. I
use a pulley because I don't really like heights. So I got myself to climb the
tower behind the work location. Thought I was pretty high up, hehe, turned out
to be only 38 ft.
> > >>
> > >> Most of the time I use a sling shot and fishing line to put up antennas
in trees. No climbing involved!
> > >>
> > >> Take some pictures and give us more of a description of what you are
doing and trying to accomplish and maybe we can help you past a hurdle or two.
> > >>
> > >> That goes for anyone on the list new to building an antenna.
> > >>
> > >> Right now I am using a homemade G5RV. It's just 102 feet of #14 stranded
electrical wire split at the middle and fed with 33 ft of 450 ladder line down
to a 4:1 balun. I have another one with 31 ft of ladder line. Can't tell any
difference so far. RG-6 goes from the balun into the radio which right now is an
IC-703+. Sorry, I just sold my FT-897D, it's a great ice radio though. Made 71
contacts for NAQP and 2 contacts for the VHF contest on 6 meters this last
weekend. (10 watts)
> > >>
> > >> I keep reading about people using off center fed dipoles. Guess I am
going to have to investigate those. Also here is one that another ham nearby was
using when we met on 12 meters.
> > >>
> > >> http://sites.google.com/site/wvfisher/hdoublebay
> > >>
> > >> I am definitely going to build a couple of those very soon.
> > >>
> > >>
> > >> Tim
> > >> KE4KE
> > >>
> > >>
> > >>
> > >> On Jan 23, 2012, at 9:30 AM, Ed Plaisance wrote:
> > >>
> > >>> I have recently gotten on the air with my FT897D. For many years I was
> > >>> just an SWL, so I was familiar with antennas. I had made several simple
> > >>> dipoles for no more than a few bucks. But I knew that for transmitting
> > >>> there are different constraints...principally length and height. But I
> > >>> was going to start with a dipole...
> > >>>
> > >>> I went to Home Depot and bought a 500-foot spool of #14 stranded wire
> > >>> for about $50...I figured that would give me enough wire to waste on
> > >>> experimenting, if necessary. Several ceramic "egg" insulators (had to
> > >>> get them online) and plastic rope. Of course some coax and connectors.
> > >>>
> > >>> And thank God for Google. Found a website that calculates wavelengths.
> > >>> Since I wanted to be able to switch fairly easily from 20m to 10m and
> > >>> possibly to 40, I thought "pulleys!" and through trial and error found a
> > >>> combination of pulleys, weights and lengths of rope that allow this.
> > >>> Fortunately, I have enough yard space and trees. But it is always a
> > >>> "work in progress".
> > >>>
> > >>> Having found that my propagation tended to be limited to the upper
> > >>> mid-west (I am on the Eastern Shore of Maryland), I rejiggered the whole
> > >>> thing, trying to optimize the pulley configuration. I must say that
> > >>> working with pulleys is wonderful brain exercise.
> > >>>
> > >>> Having done that and testing it over the past weekend with the QSO
> > >>> Party...I found it works WORSE...so back to the drawing board.
> > >>>
> > >>> I am going to beat this dipole thing and not spend hundreds of
> > >>> bucks...but this propagation issue now has me looking at verticals and I
> > >>> spent several hours on Google yesterday researching home brew 20m
antennas.
> > >>>
> > >>> I have heard it said that you should spend twice as much on your antenna
> > >>> as you did on your radio...that sounds crazy to me...however, if we are
> > >>> talking about TIME spent, well that I won't argue with.
> > >>>
> > >>> Ed
> > >>> KB3TMI
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>> ------------------------------------
> > >>>
> > >>> Yahoo! Groups Links
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > ------------------------------------
> > >
> > > Yahoo! Groups Links
> > >
> > >
> > >
> >
>
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>




No virus found in this message.
Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
Version: 2012.0.1913 / Virus Database: 2112/4780 - Release Date: 02/01/12


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hi Barry - my 897D also does this occasionally. originally i thought it was RF
due to a loop antenna I was experimenting with - but in recent months I have
used a nice resonant dipole - which is driven through the LDG 897 Plus AT, and
includes a LDG 1:1 balun. So I don't think its RF . . . This morning it reset
again. It loses all memory - fortunately I have the whole damm thing backed up
on FTBasicMMO. Another problem my radio has is its deaf on VHF and UHF - or
almost deaf. I was advised to replace a small diode on the motherboard - but the
supplier was not able to do this due to its small size. I haven't found anyone
else able to do this either - and sending it back to Yaesu isn't an option due
to cost. So it remains a dumb HF set for me! Together with the reset problem I
am now looking for something new! Let me know if you crack this one!

--- In FT897@yahoogroups.com, B Young <youngbar0978@...> wrote:
>
> Hi Ray,
>
> I have removed the radio and tuner from the main cabinet and isolated,
> checked all the connections.  All is working fine now, I may be reconfigure
> my main radio stack so it is more isolated from other electronics
> components and wiring, etc.
>
> Thanks for your response.
>
> Barry K9BAY
> On Dec 20, 2011 5:12 AM, "Ray Walters" <vk3actrw@...> wrote:
>
> > **
> >
> >
> > Hi Barry,
> > If you determine that it is in fact RF getting into the system and you say
> > that your antenna has been good for a number of years, maybe pull the
> > antenna down and give it a good going-over to make sure that all is as it
> > should be. Once you determine that is ok, if you still have the problem,
> > try
> > this: Ugly Balun (RF Choke) It will stop any RF from getting back down the
> > co-ax.
> >
> > http://www.hamuniverse.com/balun.html
> >
> > Good Luck,
> > Ray, VK3ACT
> >
> > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> >
> >
> >
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

I think it was a loose PL259 connection.

All is fine now.  (Knock on wood).

Thanks

73. Barry K9BAY
On Feb 5, 2012 10:27 AM, "jphillips.houtbay" <justin.phillips@...>
wrote:

> **
>
>
> Hi Barry - my 897D also does this occasionally. originally i thought it
> was RF due to a loop antenna I was experimenting with - but in recent
> months I have used a nice resonant dipole - which is driven through the LDG
> 897 Plus AT, and includes a LDG 1:1 balun. So I don't think its RF . . .
> This morning it reset again. It loses all memory - fortunately I have the
> whole damm thing backed up on FTBasicMMO. Another problem my radio has is
> its deaf on VHF and UHF - or almost deaf. I was advised to replace a small
> diode on the motherboard - but the supplier was not able to do this due to
> its small size. I haven't found anyone else able to do this either - and
> sending it back to Yaesu isn't an option due to cost. So it remains a dumb
> HF set for me! Together with the reset problem I am now looking for
> something new! Let me know if you crack this one!
>
> --- In FT897@yahoogroups.com, B Young <youngbar0978@...> wrote:
> >
> > Hi Ray,
> >
> > I have removed the radio and tuner from the main cabinet and isolated,
> > checked all the connections. All is working fine now, I may be
> reconfigure
> > my main radio stack so it is more isolated from other electronics
> > components and wiring, etc.
> >
> > Thanks for your response.
> >
> > Barry K9BAY
> > On Dec 20, 2011 5:12 AM, "Ray Walters" <vk3actrw@...> wrote:
> >
> > > **
> > >
> > >
> > > Hi Barry,
> > > If you determine that it is in fact RF getting into the system and you
> say
> > > that your antenna has been good for a number of years, maybe pull the
> > > antenna down and give it a good going-over to make sure that all is as
> it
> > > should be. Once you determine that is ok, if you still have the
> problem,
> > > try
> > > this: Ugly Balun (RF Choke) It will stop any RF from getting back down
> the
> > > co-ax.
> > >
> > > http://www.hamuniverse.com/balun.html
> > >
> > > Good Luck,
> > > Ray, VK3ACT
> > >
> > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
> > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> >
>
>
>


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hi,
I just fired up the 897 and found it stuck where I last left it. The band
switches and mode switches don't seem to function. It also won't transmit. Any
ideas?  Thanks, Peter K7TRZ

Before resetting the radio, try a few simple things first...

It might be that a CW key or some other plug in accessory (even the Mic) is
holding the radio in transmit mode when turned on. Turn off the radio and then
the power supply. unplug everything but the antenna and power supply from the
radio and turn the power supply and then the radio back on.

If the radio comes up ok then plug in the mic, still OK? then plug accessories
one at a time and see if the radio is OK...

If the problem persists then it could be that the cabling from the inside of the
front panel to the main body is messed up and needs to be reseated... or a radio
reset may be in order.

Personally, I would try other options before resetting the radio....  If the
problem still persists then it may be time to send the radio in for repair.

John  KB0NE

--- In FT897@yahoogroups.com, "peter_ff" <peter_ff@...> wrote:
>
> Hi,
> I just fired up the 897 and found it stuck where I last left it. The band
switches and mode switches don't seem to function. It also won't transmit. Any
ideas?  Thanks, Peter K7TRZ
>

Hello Fellow hams,

Sorry I'm just lazy looking out the previous mail I just wanted to know
what types of cable do I need to connect to the Ham radio deluxe program,
  is it the CAT cable or the data cable?
I found in the ebay
USB programming CAT cable Yaesu FT-817ND FT-857D FT-897D FT-100D RADIO
INTERFACE.  is it the right cable?
73
--
Regards,
Gerald Caparas DU1AZ,A65CB


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

The right cable is the cat to din. The best one I have found is from Hro.com
with the programming software. I spent a lot of money buy cables from ebay and
other sites and none of them worked just as the "free" programming software did
not talk to the radio.

 
Richard Von Aschen, N7RIS


________________________________
  From: Gerald Caparas DU1AZ <gerald.caparas@...>
To: FT897@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Monday, February 6, 2012 8:18 AM
Subject: [FT897] Cable for Ham radio deluxe


 
Hello Fellow hams,

Sorry I'm just lazy looking out the previous mail I just wanted to know
what types of cable do I need to connect to the Ham radio deluxe program,
is it the CAT cable or the data cable?
I found in the ebay
USB programming CAT cable Yaesu FT-817ND FT-857D FT-897D FT-100D RADIO
INTERFACE.  is it the right cable?
73
--
Regards,
Gerald Caparas DU1AZ,A65CB

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]




[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

H Richard can you please give me the right model number?

thanks

On Mon, Feb 6, 2012 at 7:43 PM, Richard Von Aschen <rlvonaschen@...>wrote:

> **
>
>
> The right cable is the cat to din. The best one I have found is from
> Hro.com with the programming software. I spent a lot of money buy cables
> from ebay and other sites and none of them worked just as the "free"
> programming software did not talk to the radio.
>
>
> Richard Von Aschen, N7RIS
>
> ________________________________
> From: Gerald Caparas DU1AZ <gerald.caparas@...>
> To: FT897@yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Monday, February 6, 2012 8:18 AM
> Subject: [FT897] Cable for Ham radio deluxe
>
>
>
>
> Hello Fellow hams,
>
> Sorry I'm just lazy looking out the previous mail I just wanted to know
> what types of cable do I need to connect to the Ham radio deluxe program,
> is it the CAT cable or the data cable?
> I found in the ebay
> USB programming CAT cable Yaesu FT-817ND FT-857D FT-897D FT-100D RADIO
> INTERFACE. is it the right cable?
> 73
> --
> Regards,
> Gerald Caparas DU1AZ,A65CB
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>



--
Regards,
Gerald Caparas DU1AZ,A65CB


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

The package you want is ADMS-4BU.

 
Richard Von Aschen, N7RIS
  Gerald Caparas DU1AZ <gerald.caparas@...>

To: FT897@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Monday, February 6, 2012 8:51 AM
Subject: Re: [FT897] Cable for Ham radio deluxe

H Richard can you please give me the right model number?

thanks

On Mon, Feb 6, 2012 at 7:43 PM, Richard Von Aschen <rlvonaschen@...>wrote:

> **
>
>
> The right cable is the cat to din. The best one I have found is from
> Hro.com with the programming software. I spent a lot of money buy cables
> from ebay and other sites and none of them worked just as the "free"
> programming software did not talk to the radio.
>
>
> Richard Von Aschen, N7RIS
>
> ________________________________
> From: Gerald Caparas DU1AZ <gerald.caparas@...>
> To: FT897@yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Monday, February 6, 2012 8:18 AM
> Subject: [FT897] Cable for Ham radio deluxe
>
>
>
>
> Hello Fellow hams,
>
> Sorry I'm just lazy looking out the previous mail I just wanted to know
> what types of cable do I need to connect to the Ham radio deluxe program,
> is it the CAT cable or the data cable?
> I found in the ebay
> USB programming CAT cable Yaesu FT-817ND FT-857D FT-897D FT-100D RADIO
> INTERFACE. is it the right cable?
> 73
> --
> Regards,
> Gerald Caparas DU1AZ,A65CB
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
> 
>



--
Regards,
Gerald Caparas DU1AZ,A65CB


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]



------------------------------------

Yahoo! Groups Links



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

--- In FT897@yahoogroups.com, "john_kb0ne" <wa0lhb@...> wrote:
>
> Before resetting the radio, try a few simple things first...
>
> It might be that a CW key or some other plug in accessory (even the Mic) is
holding the radio in transmit mode when turned on. Turn off the radio and then
the power supply. unplug everything but the antenna and power supply from the
radio and turn the power supply and then the radio back on.
>
> If the radio comes up ok then plug in the mic, still OK? then plug accessories
one at a time and see if the radio is OK...
>
> If the problem persists then it could be that the cabling from the inside of
the front panel to the main body is messed up and needs to be reseated... or a
radio reset may be in order.
>
> Personally, I would try other options before resetting the radio....  If the
problem still persists then it may be time to send the radio in for repair.
>
> John  KB0NE
>
> --- In FT897@yahoogroups.com, "peter_ff" <peter_ff@> wrote:
> >
> > Hi,
> > I just fired up the 897 and found it stuck where I last left it. The band
switches and mode switches don't seem to function. It also won't transmit. Any
ideas?  Thanks, Peter K7TRZ
> >
>
Thanks the line to the key was shorted. Unpluging it returned everything to
normal. Peter K7TRZ

I use this :

http://www.g4zlp.co.uk/unified/YaesuCAT.shtml

Easy, usb connection to your computer and works directly.  Do not forget
to order it with Y3 cable if you choose that solution.

73's

Etienne / ON7ED

I'll check that thanks Richard 73


On Mon, Feb 6, 2012 at 8:52 PM, Richard Von Aschen <rlvonaschen@...>wrote:

> **
>
>
> The package you want is ADMS-4BU.
>
>
> Richard Von Aschen, N7RIS
>
> Gerald Caparas DU1AZ <gerald.caparas@...>
>
> To: FT897@yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Monday, February 6, 2012 8:51 AM
> Subject: Re: [FT897] Cable for Ham radio deluxe
>
>
> H Richard can you please give me the right model number?
>
> thanks
>
> On Mon, Feb 6, 2012 at 7:43 PM, Richard Von Aschen <rlvonaschen@...
> >wrote:
>
> > **
>
> >
> >
> > The right cable is the cat to din. The best one I have found is from
> > Hro.com with the programming software. I spent a lot of money buy cables
> > from ebay and other sites and none of them worked just as the "free"
> > programming software did not talk to the radio.
> >
> >
> > Richard Von Aschen, N7RIS
> >
> > ________________________________
> > From: Gerald Caparas DU1AZ <gerald.caparas@...>
> > To: FT897@yahoogroups.com
> > Sent: Monday, February 6, 2012 8:18 AM
> > Subject: [FT897] Cable for Ham radio deluxe
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > Hello Fellow hams,
> >
> > Sorry I'm just lazy looking out the previous mail I just wanted to know
> > what types of cable do I need to connect to the Ham radio deluxe program,
> > is it the CAT cable or the data cable?
> > I found in the ebay
> > USB programming CAT cable Yaesu FT-817ND FT-857D FT-897D FT-100D RADIO
> > INTERFACE. is it the right cable?
> > 73
> > --
> > Regards,
> > Gerald Caparas DU1AZ,A65CB
> >
> > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> >
> > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> >
> >
> >
>
> --
> Regards,
> Gerald Caparas DU1AZ,A65CB
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>



--
Regards,
Gerald Caparas DU1AZ,A65CB


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Thanks for the info Etienne 73

On Mon, Feb 6, 2012 at 9:07 PM, Etienne Delronche <
etienne.delronche@...> wrote:

> **
>
>
> I use this :
>
> http://www.g4zlp.co.uk/unified/YaesuCAT.shtml
>
> Easy, usb connection to your computer and works directly. Do not forget
> to order it with Y3 cable if you choose that solution.
>
> 73's
>
> Etienne / ON7ED
>
>



--
Regards,
Gerald Caparas DU1AZ,A65CB


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

<a name="gnvpcaxxge"
href="http://reversemortgageloancorp.com/wp-includes/info.php?samantha138.gif">h\
ttp://reversemortgageloancorp.com/wp-includes/info.php?samantha138.gif</a>


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

SPAM !!!!!   WORK AT HOME AD



________________________________
  From: Tom Phillips <tomsrig@...>
To: don-cameron@...; emile923@...; erinpupaxo@...;
fastlayne20000@...; ft897@yahoogroups.com; ginavawim@...;
i7swx@...
Sent: Wednesday, February 8, 2012 4:08 PM
Subject: [FT897]


 
<a name="gnvpcaxxge"
href="http://reversemortgageloancorp.com/wp-includes/info.php?samantha138.gif">h\
ttp://reversemortgageloancorp.com/wp-includes/info.php?samantha138.gif</a>


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]




[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hi, Thanks again everyone for all the help I can't thank you enough. Has anyone
used the CHAMELEON V11 or the CHAMELEON V12? I was looking at those one also but
I think you need an Antenna Tuner

Thanks

Shon KJ6FNN


--- In FT897@yahoogroups.com, "Deme" <deme@...> wrote:
>
> I have a ground-mounted GAP Challenger here. It’s quiet because it is deaf!
> My homebrew 135 ft long OCF dipole with a 6/1 balun  outperforms the Gap in
most cases  on all bands up to 10 meters and most certainly outperforms the GAP
as an NVIS antenna on 80 meters (haven’t used it as an NVIS antenna on 40 and
30 meters).
> If you want a good vertical, use a 41 to 43 ft high antenna with lots of
radials and a remote tuner at the base of the antenna. Even then, the antenna
won’t be a good NVIS radiator for local nets.
>
> Cheers, Deme, VE7CRT.
> From: Guido
> Sent: Monday, January 30, 2012 9:04 PM
> To: FT897@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: [FT897] Re: Help in Picking a Home Base Antenna
>
>
> http://chameleonantenna.com
>
> --- In mailto:FT897%40yahoogroups.com, JP Douglas <josedouglas@> wrote:
> >
> > Shon,
> >
> > The GAP Eagle vertical we (my YL and !) use is actually a vertical dipole
and doesn't behave (have the same noise issues as most vertical do) as one. It
does 40 thru 10 metres and doesn't require a tuner.
> > We've had great results with it for the three years we've had it.
> >
> > 73 de Jose, KB1TCD
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > ________________________________
> > From: SC <bredalrv@>
> > To: mailto:FT897%40yahoogroups.com
> > Sent: Sunday, January 29, 2012 12:21 AM
> > Subject: [FT897] Re: Help in Picking a Home Base Antenna
> >
> >
> > Â
> > Hi, Thanks everyone for the help I have a Chimney mast mount right know and
looking for something to use on it. I know the Maldol HVU-8 has very narrow
bandwidth can you use the ATAS-120 on the HF on a mast or just on the VHF and
UHF I think you would need some kind of ground radials for it not sure if I can
run a big wire antenna
> >
> > Thanks
> >
> > Shon KJ6FNN
> >
> > 73
> >
> > --- In mailto:FT897%40yahoogroups.com, Tim <tim@> wrote:
> > >
> > > Hi Ed,
> > >
> > > The floating dipole is very good and you system if well thought out.
Looked like the small coax was making a pretty sharp bend coming out of the
connector.
> > >
> > > I have been considering an off center fed dipole for a second antenna.
> > >
> > > Tim
> > > KE4KE
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > On Jan 27, 2012, at 6:14 PM, plaisaeb wrote:
> > >
> > > > Today the weather was good and I have recently rejiggered the antenna
yet again and taken some pictures
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FT897/photos/album/567564461/pic/list?mode=tn&orde\
r=ordinal&start=1&count=20&dir=asc
> > > >
> > > > I call it a "floating dipole" because the antenna is essentially
floating between sets of pulleys. The pix are all about 10 megapixels, so you
can zoom in and see the details...lots of branches in the way.
> > > >
> > > > On one side I have a 10 lb barbell weight and on the other side a bucket
filled with 10 lbs of dirt to balance. Fancy.
> > > >
> > > > The double pulleys are on the outer ends of the wire and single pulleys
are on the inner side...simple block-and-tackle arrangement...
> > > > the wire goes out from the center insulator, around one pulley wheel on
the double pulley, back to the single pulley, around that wheel, and finally
back to the other wheel on the double pulley, where it is tied.
> > > >
> > > > By pulling the ropes in the center, I can shorten the antenna...or the
reverse by letting the rope out. I marked the wire with highlighters and with a
twist-tie so I can see where it is. The whole length of wire on each leg is
about 36 feet. (I realize it is probably too short for 1/2 wave on 40m. Next
time I will cut it a bit longer.)
> > > >
> > > > If you want to include 40m operation,you need to have enough rope in the
center to let it out to 40m...also you will need extra rope at the ends across
the pulleys that you will need to gather onto a spool of some sort...the weight
will settle on the ground, so you will need to shorten the rope as the antenna
extends.
> > > >
> > > > If you don't want to bother with 40m, you can shorten everything and use
only one pulley at the wire end to move between 10m and 20m. (Basically, you
will be going between 10m full-wave and 20m half-wave, which is not very much
distance.)
> > > >
> > > > Right now, each leg is about 16 feet extended and I get a decent null on
the antenna bridge at 14.225MHz...with a small adjustment I can also get a null
at 10m.
> > > >
> > > > But, I also get 200 ohms impedance which means I have about 4:1 SWR...it
seems the solution is a 4:1 balun.
> > > >
> > > > That is the next project.
> > > >
> > > > Then, I want to see about configuring this same dipole as a
Windom...with my pulley arrangement, it should very simple.
> > > >
> > > > Regards,
> > > > Ed
> > > > KB3TMI
> > > >
> > > > --- In mailto:FT897%40yahoogroups.com, Tim <tim@> wrote:
> > > >>
> > > >> Hi Ed,
> > > >>
> > > >> Just have to say very good on the experimenting. All that time spent
will be evident in a few years when you realize that you understand some things
that you didn't know before. Just be careful not to draw conclusions too
quickly. I use a pulley because I don't really like heights. So I got myself to
climb the tower behind the work location. Thought I was pretty high up, hehe,
turned out to be only 38 ft.
> > > >>
> > > >> Most of the time I use a sling shot and fishing line to put up antennas
in trees. No climbing involved!
> > > >>
> > > >> Take some pictures and give us more of a description of what you are
doing and trying to accomplish and maybe we can help you past a hurdle or two.
> > > >>
> > > >> That goes for anyone on the list new to building an antenna.
> > > >>
> > > >> Right now I am using a homemade G5RV. It's just 102 feet of #14
stranded electrical wire split at the middle and fed with 33 ft of 450 ladder
line down to a 4:1 balun. I have another one with 31 ft of ladder line. Can't
tell any difference so far. RG-6 goes from the balun into the radio which right
now is an IC-703+. Sorry, I just sold my FT-897D, it's a great ice radio though.
Made 71 contacts for NAQP and 2 contacts for the VHF contest on 6 meters this
last weekend. (10 watts)
> > > >>
> > > >> I keep reading about people using off center fed dipoles. Guess I am
going to have to investigate those. Also here is one that another ham nearby was
using when we met on 12 meters.
> > > >>
> > > >> http://sites.google.com/site/wvfisher/hdoublebay
> > > >>
> > > >> I am definitely going to build a couple of those very soon.
> > > >>
> > > >>
> > > >> Tim
> > > >> KE4KE
> > > >>
> > > >>
> > > >>
> > > >> On Jan 23, 2012, at 9:30 AM, Ed Plaisance wrote:
> > > >>
> > > >>> I have recently gotten on the air with my FT897D. For many years I was
> > > >>> just an SWL, so I was familiar with antennas. I had made several
simple
> > > >>> dipoles for no more than a few bucks. But I knew that for transmitting
> > > >>> there are different constraints...principally length and height. But I
> > > >>> was going to start with a dipole...
> > > >>>
> > > >>> I went to Home Depot and bought a 500-foot spool of #14 stranded wire
> > > >>> for about $50...I figured that would give me enough wire to waste on
> > > >>> experimenting, if necessary. Several ceramic "egg" insulators (had to
> > > >>> get them online) and plastic rope. Of course some coax and connectors.
> > > >>>
> > > >>> And thank God for Google. Found a website that calculates wavelengths.
> > > >>> Since I wanted to be able to switch fairly easily from 20m to 10m and
> > > >>> possibly to 40, I thought "pulleys!" and through trial and error found
a
> > > >>> combination of pulleys, weights and lengths of rope that allow this.
> > > >>> Fortunately, I have enough yard space and trees. But it is always a
> > > >>> "work in progress".
> > > >>>
> > > >>> Having found that my propagation tended to be limited to the upper
> > > >>> mid-west (I am on the Eastern Shore of Maryland), I rejiggered the
whole
> > > >>> thing, trying to optimize the pulley configuration. I must say that
> > > >>> working with pulleys is wonderful brain exercise.
> > > >>>
> > > >>> Having done that and testing it over the past weekend with the QSO
> > > >>> Party...I found it works WORSE...so back to the drawing board.
> > > >>>
> > > >>> I am going to beat this dipole thing and not spend hundreds of
> > > >>> bucks...but this propagation issue now has me looking at verticals and
I
> > > >>> spent several hours on Google yesterday researching home brew 20m
antennas.
> > > >>>
> > > >>> I have heard it said that you should spend twice as much on your
antenna
> > > >>> as you did on your radio...that sounds crazy to me...however, if we
are
> > > >>> talking about TIME spent, well that I won't argue with.
> > > >>>
> > > >>> Ed
> > > >>> KB3TMI
> > > >>>
> > > >>>
> > > >>>
> > > >>>
> > > >>> ------------------------------------
> > > >>>
> > > >>> Yahoo! Groups Links
> > > >>>
> > > >>>
> > > >>>
> > > >>
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > ------------------------------------
> > > >
> > > > Yahoo! Groups Links
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> >
>
>
>
>
> No virus found in this message.
> Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
> Version: 2012.0.1913 / Virus Database: 2112/4780 - Release Date: 02/01/12
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

Shon,

My YL and I use a Chameleon V12 for portable work, it comes with a 9:1 balun
and yes, it does require a tuner. Used it as a base antenna for a couple of
weeks last year while we moved our antennas away from the house as well, have
had excellent results with the Chameleon when attached to 15 ft mast using a 5ft
tripod. We also added two more radials for a total of six. Results not so great
if not that high up and also not great if radials not grounded properly.

The GAP Eagle we use at our QTH does not require a tuner, great antenna for us
for 40 - 10 meters.

73 de Jose Douglas KB1TCD



________________________________
  From: SC <bredalrv@...>
To: FT897@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Thursday, February 9, 2012 12:17 AM
Subject: [FT897] Re: Help in Picking a Home Base Antenna


 
Hi, Thanks again everyone for all the help I can't thank you enough. Has anyone
used the CHAMELEON V11 or the CHAMELEON V12? I was looking at those one also but
I think you need an Antenna Tuner

Thanks

Shon KJ6FNN

--- In FT897@yahoogroups.com, "Deme" <deme@...> wrote:
>
> I have a ground-mounted GAP Challenger here. It’s quiet because it is
deaf!
> My homebrew 135 ft long OCF dipole with a 6/1 balun  outperforms the Gap in
most cases  on all bands up to 10 meters and most certainly outperforms the GAP
as an NVIS antenna on 80 meters (haven’t used it as an NVIS antenna on 40
and 30 meters).
> If you want a good vertical, use a 41 to 43 ft high antenna with lots of
radials and a remote tuner at the base of the antenna. Even then, the antenna
won’t be a good NVIS radiator for local nets.
>
> Cheers, Deme, VE7CRT.
> From: Guido
> Sent: Monday, January 30, 2012 9:04 PM
> To: FT897@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: [FT897] Re: Help in Picking a Home Base Antenna
>
>
> http://chameleonantenna.com
>
> --- In mailto:FT897%40yahoogroups.com, JP Douglas <josedouglas@> wrote:
> >
> > Shon,
> >
> > The GAP Eagle vertical we (my YL and !) use is actually a vertical dipole
and doesn't behave (have the same noise issues as most vertical do) as one. It
does 40 thru 10 metres and doesn't require a tuner.
> > We've had great results with it for the three years we've had it.
> >
> > 73 de Jose, KB1TCD
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > ________________________________
> > From: SC <bredalrv@>
> > To: mailto:FT897%40yahoogroups.com
> > Sent: Sunday, January 29, 2012 12:21 AM
> > Subject: [FT897] Re: Help in Picking a Home Base Antenna
> >
> >
> > Â
> > Hi, Thanks everyone for the help I have a Chimney mast mount right know and
looking for something to use on it. I know the Maldol HVU-8 has very narrow
bandwidth can you use the ATAS-120 on the HF on a mast or just on the VHF and
UHF I think you would need some kind of ground radials for it not sure if I can
run a big wire antenna
> >
> > Thanks
> >
> > Shon KJ6FNN
> >
> > 73
> >
> > --- In mailto:FT897%40yahoogroups.com, Tim <tim@> wrote:
> > >
> > > Hi Ed,
> > >
> > > The floating dipole is very good and you system if well thought out.
Looked like the small coax was making a pretty sharp bend coming out of the
connector.
> > >
> > > I have been considering an off center fed dipole for a second antenna.
> > >
> > > Tim
> > > KE4KE
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > On Jan 27, 2012, at 6:14 PM, plaisaeb wrote:
> > >
> > > > Today the weather was good and I have recently rejiggered the antenna
yet again and taken some pictures
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FT897/photos/album/567564461/pic/list?mode=tn&orde\
r=ordinal&start=1&count=20&dir=asc
> > > >
> > > > I call it a "floating dipole" because the antenna is essentially
floating between sets of pulleys. The pix are all about 10 megapixels, so you
can zoom in and see the details...lots of branches in the way.
> > > >
> > > > On one side I have a 10 lb barbell weight and on the other side a bucket
filled with 10 lbs of dirt to balance. Fancy.
> > > >
> > > > The double pulleys are on the outer ends of the wire and single pulleys
are on the inner side...simple block-and-tackle arrangement...
> > > > the wire goes out from the center insulator, around one pulley wheel on
the double pulley, back to the single pulley, around that wheel, and finally
back to the other wheel on the double pulley, where it is tied.
> > > >
> > > > By pulling the ropes in the center, I can shorten the antenna...or the
reverse by letting the rope out. I marked the wire with highlighters and with a
twist-tie so I can see where it is. The whole length of wire on each leg is
about 36 feet. (I realize it is probably too short for 1/2 wave on 40m. Next
time I will cut it a bit longer.)
> > > >
> > > > If you want to include 40m operation,you need to have enough rope in the
center to let it out to 40m...also you will need extra rope at the ends across
the pulleys that you will need to gather onto a spool of some sort...the weight
will settle on the ground, so you will need to shorten the rope as the antenna
extends.
> > > >
> > > > If you don't want to bother with 40m, you can shorten everything and use
only one pulley at the wire end to move between 10m and 20m. (Basically, you
will be going between 10m full-wave and 20m half-wave, which is not very much
distance.)
> > > >
> > > > Right now, each leg is about 16 feet extended and I get a decent null on
the antenna bridge at 14.225MHz...with a small adjustment I can also get a null
at 10m.
> > > >
> > > > But, I also get 200 ohms impedance which means I have about 4:1 SWR...it
seems the solution is a 4:1 balun.
> > > >
> > > > That is the next project.
> > > >
> > > > Then, I want to see about configuring this same dipole as a
Windom...with my pulley arrangement, it should very simple.
> > > >
> > > > Regards,
> > > > Ed
> > > > KB3TMI
> > > >
> > > > --- In mailto:FT897%40yahoogroups.com, Tim <tim@> wrote:
> > > >>
> > > >> Hi Ed,
> > > >>
> > > >> Just have to say very good on the experimenting. All that time spent
will be evident in a few years when you realize that you understand some things
that you didn't know before. Just be careful not to draw conclusions too
quickly. I use a pulley because I don't really like heights. So I got myself to
climb the tower behind the work location. Thought I was pretty high up, hehe,
turned out to be only 38 ft.
> > > >>
> > > >> Most of the time I use a sling shot and fishing line to put up antennas
in trees. No climbing involved!
> > > >>
> > > >> Take some pictures and give us more of a description of what you are
doing and trying to accomplish and maybe we can help you past a hurdle or two.
> > > >>
> > > >> That goes for anyone on the list new to building an antenna.
> > > >>
> > > >> Right now I am using a homemade G5RV. It's just 102 feet of #14
stranded electrical wire split at the middle and fed with 33 ft of 450 ladder
line down to a 4:1 balun. I have another one with 31 ft of ladder line. Can't
tell any difference so far. RG-6 goes from the balun into the radio which right
now is an IC-703+. Sorry, I just sold my FT-897D, it's a great ice radio though.
Made 71 contacts for NAQP and 2 contacts for the VHF contest on 6 meters this
last weekend. (10 watts)
> > > >>
> > > >> I keep reading about people using off center fed dipoles. Guess I am
going to have to investigate those. Also here is one that another ham nearby was
using when we met on 12 meters.
> > > >>
> > > >> http://sites.google.com/site/wvfisher/hdoublebay
> > > >>
> > > >> I am definitely going to build a couple of those very soon.
> > > >>
> > > >>
> > > >> Tim
> > > >> KE4KE
> > > >>
> > > >>
> > > >>
> > > >> On Jan 23, 2012, at 9:30 AM, Ed Plaisance wrote:
> > > >>
> > > >>> I have recently gotten on the air with my FT897D. For many years I was
> > > >>> just an SWL, so I was familiar with antennas. I had made several
simple
> > > >>> dipoles for no more than a few bucks. But I knew that for transmitting
> > > >>> there are different constraints...principally length and height. But I
> > > >>> was going to start with a dipole...
> > > >>>
> > > >>> I went to Home Depot and bought a 500-foot spool of #14 stranded wire
> > > >>> for about $50...I figured that would give me enough wire to waste on
> > > >>> experimenting, if necessary. Several ceramic "egg" insulators (had to
> > > >>> get them online) and plastic rope. Of course some coax and connectors.
> > > >>>
> > > >>> And thank God for Google. Found a website that calculates wavelengths.
> > > >>> Since I wanted to be able to switch fairly easily from 20m to 10m and
> > > >>> possibly to 40, I thought "pulleys!" and through trial and error found
a
> > > >>> combination of pulleys, weights and lengths of rope that allow this.
> > > >>> Fortunately, I have enough yard space and trees. But it is always a
> > > >>> "work in progress".
> > > >>>
> > > >>> Having found that my propagation tended to be limited to the upper
> > > >>> mid-west (I am on the Eastern Shore of Maryland), I rejiggered the
whole
> > > >>> thing, trying to optimize the pulley configuration. I must say that
> > > >>> working with pulleys is wonderful brain exercise.
> > > >>>
> > > >>> Having done that and testing it over the past weekend with the QSO
> > > >>> Party...I found it works WORSE...so back to the drawing board.
> > > >>>
> > > >>> I am going to beat this dipole thing and not spend hundreds of
> > > >>> bucks...but this propagation issue now has me looking at verticals and
I
> > > >>> spent several hours on Google yesterday researching home brew 20m
antennas.
> > > >>>
> > > >>> I have heard it said that you should spend twice as much on your
antenna
> > > >>> as you did on your radio...that sounds crazy to me...however, if we
are
> > > >>> talking about TIME spent, well that I won't argue with.
> > > >>>
> > > >>> Ed
> > > >>> KB3TMI
> > > >>>
> > > >>>
> > > >>>
> > > >>>
> > > >>> ------------------------------------
> > > >>>
> > > >>> Yahoo! Groups Links
> > > >>>
> > > >>>
> > > >>>
> > > >>
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > ------------------------------------
> > > >
> > > > Yahoo! Groups Links
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> >
>
>
>
>
> No virus found in this message.
> Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
> Version: 2012.0.1913 / Virus Database: 2112/4780 - Release Date: 02/01/12
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>




[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

I have not used the V11or V12 but I do use the V1 and Hybrid systems and both
are excellent performers.  Yes, the Chameleon antennas do require the use of a
tuner.
   Keep an eye on Chameleon as they are developing base station accessories for
the antennas.
I do not work for them but am a believer.

Travis
K5HTB



--- In FT897@yahoogroups.com, "SC" <bredalrv@...> wrote:
>
> Hi, Thanks again everyone for all the help I can't thank you enough. Has
anyone used the CHAMELEON V11 or the CHAMELEON V12? I was looking at those one
also but I think you need an Antenna Tuner
>
> Thanks
>
> Shon KJ6FNN
>
>

Now that the rules for the 60m band changes have been formalized, has there been
any word from Yaesu on firmware updates to the FT-897D?  I really have no desire
to wideband my radio and hope they will be able to update it support the changes
to 60m.

Robert, N2JTX