Dipole question

[KQ4JKI]

I'm a new General and new to HF so, maybe, this question is new also.

I would like to install a dipole in my yard.
Problem:
I don't have 125 feet to install an 80 - 6 dipole no matter how I try to work it (unless I can bend one leg around one tree and anchor it to another).
But I DO have 65 feet for a 40 - 6 if I lay one of the legs along the roof ridge.
Question:
Straight forward ... will either of these ideas work?
Thanx,
--chip--
KQ4JKI

 

[AK9R]

While a dipole antenna may be easier to tune and have wider bandwidth if the elements run straight, you don't have to do so.

I have a fan dipole with elements for 75m, 40m, and 20m. My lot is 90 feet wide. The 75m elements run from the center of my lot to the lot lines on either side and then turn 90 degrees to run along the top of my privacy fence.

 

[prcguy]

Do you have 104ft of space? If so the ZS6BKW dipole will cover 40-10 with a good match and 80m with a tuner. I used one as my main HF antenna for several years and was very pleased with it. The ZS6BKW is a computer designed cousin of the G5RV and it has about 43ft of 450 ohm latter line at the center feed point that you have to keep away from metal and off the ground. You can make one with some wire, ladder line and a few insulators or buy a commercial version.

 

[KQ4JKI]

Thanx for the feedback, folks. Actually I picked up an X-Terra EFHW that'll do everything except 80 meter. As a new general ticket holder, that should keep me out of the bars for awhile.
At 66' I can mount it under an eave, in a zip lock bag; that'll get me up until I can afford to get something bigger.