OCF Dipole antenna question

[NT1K]

1) are the bends going to make the antenna useless? (assume no grater then a 90 degree turn any time)
Can those 'bends' make a difference? Sure. In general, meaning that there's a lot of variations in it, keeping bends less than 90 degrees is a good idea. I won't even try to guess what the results would be, but they generally won't be optimal.

2) how do I support the bends? i.e. if the end of the antenna is turned 90 degrees (L shape) how do I support that bend?
Most people just tie the thing off however they can. That can get as 'odd' as you want/don't want, just a matter of what/how you can do it.

3) do I have to be concerned with the antenna getting hot enough to melt the support material (fishing line, para-shoot cord, etc...) and/or starting a fire (assuming 100 watts max output here)
I seriously doubt if a 100 watts is going to heat anything up enough to cause a fire or melting something.
4) are there other options I should be looking at?
I think it's a fairly normal thing to take a look at any options you can think of, or that anyone can point out to you. Who knows, 'they' may have a good idea!

A multiband antenna is always a compromise in some way. If that 'way' isn't a particular problem for you, then it's not a 'biggy', right? I once had an antenna that I could 'make' work on all bands except 15 meters. Since I didn't 'do' 15 meters much anyway, it wasn't a 'biggy' for me. If I'd really wanted that 15 meter capability then I'd have 'changed' things till it did work. No, it wasn't optimal on all bands but it was 'workable'/'adequate'.
Have fun.
- 'Doc

If it wasn't designed to do well on a particular band then you can't expect it to 'do' well. 'Adequate' is certainly better than nothing.

1. Bending the wire will effect the radiation pattern depending on the frequency being used on it. I am planning to use an Inverted L for 3.5 Mhz in my backyard. It's a piece of wire with a 90 degree bend in it and performs decent. As long as your not folding the antenna back on itself then it's shouldn't be an issue.

In this situation it's about having an antenna with the correct impedance. Might perform like **** but at least there is antenna being used.

2. As for supporting the bends... Ropes or insulators. Nothing conductive or that could be conductive

3. Depends on the wire, If you're using 14ga then you will not have an issue. I would avoid thin stuff like 20ga unless you are doing only low power. I have a G5RV (outside) with 12ga wire that I've used and abused with over 1,000 watts and never had a failure. It's fed with RG-8

4. There are so many options it's impossible to list here. All depends on your environment and the HOA.
If you have a decent size attic/crawlspace in length, you can do many different things. Other mention installing a "Flag pole" in the front yard that can be an antenna and hang an American flag off it.

My attic is big enough for a 20M dipole that works. It's better than nothing!

Good luck
NT1K

 

[AK9R]

Folks, let's keep this thread on topic of OCF dipoles. If you want to talk about antenna regulations, please start a new thread.

 

[ki4asn]

dipple antenna

have you tried to use your metal rain gutter system?

 

[warnberg]

ki4asn, if that was directed to me.. I do not have a metal rain gutter system on my home, I do however have a screened in pool cage in the back....