Reasons for antenna installs

[Delivers1234]

Is there a list on pros for having antennas etc to convince spouse?

 

[dlwtrunked]

You might consider some similar to the attached.

 

[CollinsURG]

I have never had this problem. But whatever hobbies your spouse has, must have critical components required by the hobby that are objectionable in some way and cannot be done without.

 

[mmckenna]

Quality antennas make for a better experience. Better experience makes the hobby more enjoyable. It also helps you get the most out of your existing investment.

Quality antennas properly installed will do less damage than a cobbled together temporary setup.

Quality antennas properly installed look better.

A good hobby will keep you occupied and not getting into her way.

Amateur radio and good antennas are cheaper than a lot of other hobbies. Like boating. Ask her if you can buy a boat. When she says "no", then let her know how much cheaper antennas are.

Good antennas can be used as fishing poles, sabers, for spear fishing, rotisserie BBQ tools, performance art, beating hippies, or as a Festivus Pole (Tis' the Season!).

If you decide you don't like your antenna, you can almost always sell them at a profit at your local HamFest.

Tell your wife they help improve WiFi and 5G signals.

 

[alcahuete]

beating hippies

LMAO!!

 

[W4AXW]

or as a Festivus Pole (Tis' the Season!).

For the rest of us......

 

[jeepsandradios]

As mmckenna said quality equipment and work helps. My wife has dealt with radio for years, but she also was in ems/public safety so understands the need for stuff, however when I got my Challenger Drag car I was specifically told at the dealer NO RADIOS. Well I broke her down and in the end only ran a single VHF black Quarterwave on the trunk lid. All the other stuff was via wifi in the radio so really no need for multiband and control head was hidden as was speaker. Other than the black whip which you didnt see unless you looked for it no one knnew it had a radio. Oh and for all you "omg its a new car and dealer blah blah blah..." I just traded this car in and the dealer said not a word. I put a standard NMO Black Laird rain cap on the mount and thats it. This was a 100K car and not one person at dealer asked me what the "black" thing was on the trunk. Opening trunk you did not see antenna cable and theo nly cable they could see was the wire loom that had the brake light wires (anda hidden RF cable).

On this same topic if you dont need a 3' multiband ham antenna dont use it. a black quarterwave almost disappears 90% of the time. Throw the big antenna in the trunk and only use it if you need it. I kinda chuckle at some of my local hams with 4' tall diamond antenna and never use any channel but the 2m repeater that can be used with a 1 watt HT with a stubby. See the same with Jeep friends. 3' tall gain GMRS antenna to talk to the jeep 50' in front of them. I'm not saying there isn't a place for a large antenna but alot of times a basic small antenna does its job...

 

[k6cpo]

The arrangement I have with the CinC works very well. Since we both have incomes, we maintain separate (but linked) bank accounts. We each have our own share of household expenses. Once the expenses are covered then anything left over can be used for hobbies.

I also have a personal policy of not hiding major amateur radio purchases from her. If I buy a new radio or other expensive device, I tell her about it beforehand and give her my justifications for the purchase. This method works very well. At one point, when I was looking to buy a used radio to be used for ARES purposes, she gave me the money for it.

 

[prcguy]

Is there a list on pros for having antennas etc to convince spouse?

Some if not most hams are an unstable lot and should be appeased and soothed so as not to bring out unsavory traits like wife beating or murder. Antennas to hams are very soothing and will instantly turn us into cooing, purring, happy critters. I highly suggest you share this with your wifee soon so she can make the right decision and the sooner the better (for her).

 

[rf_patriot200]

Is there a list on pros for having antennas etc to convince spouse?

Just DO IT, and be Firm on your wishes. My Ex wife said it's ME or your radios ... Well, she's Gone and my Radios are Still here.

 

[JensLK]

It’s just better for yours and your wife’s health. That’s it. Start working on the antenna immediately.

 

[12dbsinad]

It's not the size of the antenna... its how you mount it

Or something like that....

 

[Spider255]

When I first got my license I had major trouble with putting up antennas because it just wasn't allowed where I live unless planning permission was granted but I noticed some of the neighbors had put up some satellite dishes for TV so I figured if they can put up dishes then I'm going ignore the the rules and put up a VHF/UHF x50 antenna and for a while... I got drama about it and ended up having to take it down, then I got fed up and put up a dipole for 2/70 and left it up and nobody complained and its been up ever since for a good few years now but I am tempted to replace it with a better antenna but its just a question of having the motivation to do it due to the recent decline of VHF/UHF activity otherwise the dipole antenna works reasonably well.

I also managed to do a stealth 10/11 meter antenna last year although horizontal polarization which works but with it having to be a compromised antenna its not the best, I can still make DX contacts on it during band openings.

I also have a second VHF/UHF setup in my attic which is the x50 antenna that also serves well for a second VHF/UHF setup. I also have a 4 meter antenna setup in the attic for 70MHz although some noise interference up there on 70MHz so I will have to rethink that setup at some point.

 

[MiCon]

It looks better on the roof than in the house.