AlphaMikeLima
Member
Hey guys,
I just recently got my general license and an IC-718 and was looking into getting a better antenna. Currently I've been essentially using a random wire and its not really cutting it. Lately I've been looking at purchasing either a:
Comet H-422
NCG New Product Detail
or
a Comet HVU-8
Comet HVU-8 80/40/20/15/10/6/2M/70CM Vertical
Both of these seemed to have received decent ratings, and both of them are multiband, a big plus for me as I don't have much room to put multiple antennas at the moment. My big concerns are grounding, tuning, and mounting: three concepts I'm not particularly familiar with. As far as grounding goes, I'm aware that most HF antennas have to use ground radials, something I really don't have much room for. Would there be anyway just to use an 8' copper rod on either of these?
Second, as far as tuning and getting that SWR as low as I can, will I need an SWR meter, a decent antenna tuner, and to construct a good balun for the antenna? What are some good meters and tuners for a relatively low price?
And finally third, I'm thinking about mounting this on my chimney and I understand I'm going to need a rotator. Whats a good rotator to start with? What is the power source for these rotators? How much wire will I need for it?
I'm sorry if these questions are too elementary for ya'll, but I appreciate all your help!
Thank you!
I just recently got my general license and an IC-718 and was looking into getting a better antenna. Currently I've been essentially using a random wire and its not really cutting it. Lately I've been looking at purchasing either a:
Comet H-422
NCG New Product Detail
or
a Comet HVU-8
Comet HVU-8 80/40/20/15/10/6/2M/70CM Vertical
Both of these seemed to have received decent ratings, and both of them are multiband, a big plus for me as I don't have much room to put multiple antennas at the moment. My big concerns are grounding, tuning, and mounting: three concepts I'm not particularly familiar with. As far as grounding goes, I'm aware that most HF antennas have to use ground radials, something I really don't have much room for. Would there be anyway just to use an 8' copper rod on either of these?
Second, as far as tuning and getting that SWR as low as I can, will I need an SWR meter, a decent antenna tuner, and to construct a good balun for the antenna? What are some good meters and tuners for a relatively low price?
And finally third, I'm thinking about mounting this on my chimney and I understand I'm going to need a rotator. Whats a good rotator to start with? What is the power source for these rotators? How much wire will I need for it?
I'm sorry if these questions are too elementary for ya'll, but I appreciate all your help!
Thank you!