Moving to a small city with antenna restrictions what can I use?

[PrimeNumber]

Here is a couple of photos of my Sirio vector 4000. It's located in my backyard. No one has said a word about it and I live I an HOA and I have not had any issue with anyone saying a word about the antenna. Truly I haven't.

Maybe it's because the thing looks like a piece of modern sculpture? "Well, my daughter's in art school..." It'd fly.

 

[SCPD]

It may very well look weird to some. But do some research on the antenna itself and you'll find it is one of the best vertical antennas made. And that isn't a matter of opinion, it's a matter of fact. The A99 is nothing more than an end fed 1/2 wave dipole with a matching capacitor. They work about the same as like said, a piece of wire hung from a tree will accomplish the same. Now the I2K is another story, they do work pretty good. But it's just my opinion I suppose. I am just not a big fan of fiberglass antennas. They tend to pick up more noise and have CMC issues. Again, this is JMO. Good luck with whatever you decide and be safe. Good day.


I'm just a CB'er, what do I know???

 

[TheSpaceMann]

The radials on these antennas truly do not much more than to help with CMC issues. And the A99 is a okay antenna, but they need height to work work a hoot. JMO. Truly have a look at the Sirio vector 4000. It is one of the best vertical antennas made for 11 meters. Do some reseated on the A99 and the IMAX 2K. If anything the I2K would be a better choice out the of the A99 or IMAX 2000. But again, the Sirio vector 4000 will beat both of them out as far as rx/tx capabilities. The only issue with them is how long they are, they will sway a bit in the wind depending on how you setup the antenna. Mine is next to my chimney and is bolted to the house, and the top the of the chimney. I also have added some black paracord and it is virtually invisible from any distance other then right on top of it. My antenna is at 26ft to the base and the tip is at approx 52ft. The antenna is 27.82ft long. It's a 3/4 wave antenna. And I swear it blows away the A99. Lower floor noise and much more distance both TX and RX when the bases are at the same height. It doesn't stick out too bad if you have a few trees. It is not as bad as an IMAX 2000 with a GPK kit would look. Again, JMHO.
I ran an A99 at about 28ft to the base of the antenna and it worked mediocre to say the least, for me anyway. I wouldn't take one if someone gave one to me now!!
But this is JMO, and my own experience with the A99. The IMAX 2000 is a different story as its a lot longer. Which makes a difference. Same with the vector 4000. It's right at 28ft long. My tip height is 54ft. You'd need to place an A99 to over 30ft to the base, actually 36ft to be exact to be at the same height as I am with my antenna. Height equals might. Not saying the A99 won't work. They do. But they also splinter and after a few years are done as most of the time water gets into them or the cap in the bottom for impedance matching takes a crap. Depends on where you are located I suppose. The FL sun does a number on them. Mine was sanded and painted black and still splintered. I ended up giving it away after using some HD heat shrink on the entire antenna to not get splinters in my hand.
Sorry I am just not a big fan of fiberglass. Here is a couple of photos of my Sirio vector 4000. It's located in my backyard. No one has said a word about it and I live I an HOA and I have not had any issue with anyone saying a word about the antenna. Truly I haven't. I did get some complaints about the A99 causing some RFI/TVI issues with my next door neighbors. Since changing antennas no issues at all. Maybe it's just me. But anyways. Sorry for the text wall. Hope this helps at least. If you do go with the A99 or the IMAX 2000 do get the GPK kits. They do help with CMC issues. And also add a low pass filter after your radio. Bencher makes a good one and also RF limited makes a decent one for the money. The DF3000 or DF4000. Something like that. Again, have a good one.

It looks like 2 CB antennas on top of each other! An old 1960s Astro Plane upside down on the bottom, and a vertical on top!!

 

[MisterLongwire]

And may I ask what the heck is wrong with an astro-plane antenna?
Anything will outdo the Astron 99...pretty much anything. Aluminum antennas are the way to go. Man..you think after having all this info on the internet people just do not get it. Just like skip...big deal. A person can hook up a proper length coat hangar and talk past the 150 mile limit. What is the difference on the A99?

 

[TheSpaceMann]

And may I ask what the heck is wrong with an astro-plane antenna?
Anything will outdo the Astron 99...pretty much anything. Aluminum antennas are the way to go. Man..you think after having all this info on the internet people just do not get it. Just like skip...big deal. A person can hook up a proper length coat hangar and talk past the 150 mile limit. What is the difference on the A99?

Nothing wrong with the Astro Plane! I had one back in the day, and it got out quite well!! Only thing was that my neighbors thought that I had put a lamp shade on the roof!!! To tell you the truth, I thought that it did do a better job than the A-99, and it was right up there with the Hy Gain CLR 2 and the AS Super Magnum!

 

[gewecke]

I am moving to a small city which I believe has a few strict statutes that ban antennas. I can't seem to find the regulations right now or I'd post them, but my point is to ask you all what I could use for a base station which would be discreet, yet be reliable for CB use.

Any ideas would be appreciated.

IF you'd like a nearly invisible antenna that your neighbors won't see, google " End fed dipole" then cut it for cb but ... use either 24 or 31 awg. Copper wire and attach the other end to whatever you wish using fishing line. It's almost impossible to see when its over 10' up. :wink: 73, n9zas

 

[TheSpaceMann]

They don't ban TV antennas, and it's possible to use the "mast" of a TV antenna as a disguised CB antenna!!

 

[gewecke]

They don't ban TV antennas, and it's possible to use the "mast" of a TV antenna as a disguised CB antenna!!

True, but you're probably going to have to take that mast down to make the mods for that mast to function as a antenna, remove the tv antenna then put it back up again! Its much simpler to just string a dipole in less time, and it'll have a better radiation pattern than a piece of mast, plus be nearly invisible. . 73, n9zas

 

[mciupa]

Would the Wire from a tree allow for DX and what type of range could you get with that type of setup, there are a few trees in the back.

Not sure about transmitting, but that set up is great for receiving. We have tied a heavy metal nut or lead weight to the end of a wire, whipped it around as fast as we could, let it go and let it fly over the tallest limb it can snag on. Easy to set up and take down full wave antenna I used for SW Dx-ing.

 

[SCPD]

Ok let me clear the air a bit as to what antenna mine actually is. This one.

This is clone or an updated model of the old Sigma 4 antenna that looks like this.
Here is a better photo of all three of the antennas like mine. Mine is the one made my Sirio. The Vector 4000. It's a 7/8 wave j-pole type antenna.
Anyways. Get whatever antenna you like and that makes you feel the most comfortable. I didn't know how my neighbors would react to this antenna being placed up. But I haven't had a single complaint in the couple of years it's been up. And yes, again I live in a town just South of Daytona Bch., FL, it's called Port Orange, and my subdivision is an HOA. Needless to say I have had many code enforcement trucks roll by since having this antenna up and also not a word out of any of them. Could be the way I have it mounted to my house and chimney? Not sure. But like someone else mentioned, argue the point of all the TV antennas you might see in your neighborhood and see how that goes if anyone has anything to say. It's legal for them to pace up their stuff, should be same for you per say. Just be cautious about it and don't place it out blatantly where everyone can see it if possible. Mine is partially hidden by all the trees in my yard. Minus the back yard. But from the street in front of my house you truly have to really look to see my antenna.
Anyway. Again, go with what makes you comfortable. But do your homework first and see what antennas will work best. JMHO.


I'm just a CB'er, what do I know???

 

[k8krh]

GET a A-99 mount it no more than a few feet off the ground, get a small wally world American flag and rope it on the a-99, one flag pole.

You mention tele communication tower, that refers to cell phone or 2 way commercial radio, not CB or HAM, keep it modest.
DOCTOR/795

 

[TheSpaceMann]

GET a A-99 mount it no more than a few feet off the ground, get a small wally world American flag and rope it on the a-99, one flag pole.

You mention tele communication tower, that refers to cell phone or 2 way commercial radio, not CB or HAM, keep it modest.
DOCTOR/795

With flag poles they usually slip them into PVC pipe for strength.