Practical_Antenna_Handbook_0071639586

CHAPTER 15
Hidden and Limited-Space
Antennas
One of the most significant impediments to amateur radio operators and shortwave
listeners is the space available for their antennas. In many thousands of
other cases, especially in the United States, the limitation is less one of space
than of regulators. More and more subdivisions are built with covenants attached to the
deed that prohibit the buyer from installing outdoor antennas. Once limited to town
house developments, these onerous covenants (known as CC&Rs) are now routinely
placed on single-family dwellings as well. The problem has reached such proportions
that during 2010 a bill was introduced in the U.S. Congress that—if it had become law—
would have required homeowner associations, property managers, and building owners
to extend reasonable accommodation to residents and tenants.
In the meantime, however, this chapter is for all those who continue to be thwarted
in their attempts to put up an antenna of any kind—especially antennas for the HF
bands. Here we will examine some of the alternatives available to those readers who
have either a limited-space situation (such as a small city lot) or are unable to move out
of a subdivision where there are absolute prohibitions against outdoor antennas. The
suggestions contained in this chapter are not universal, and indeed the authors recommend
that you adapt, as well as adopt, these recommendations to your own situation,
and come up with some of your own. In short, creativity within the constraints of the
laws of physics governing radio antennas is encouraged.
Hidden Antennas
A hidden antenna is one that is either completely shielded from view or disguised as
something else. We also include in this category antennas that are in semiopen view, but
which are not obvious (except to the trained and diligent eye). For example: Some people
have had success staying on the air with “hidden” longwires made of very fine wire
(#26 enameled wire is popular). Installed in the open, high off of the ground (as in an
apartment installation), these antennas often escape detection by anyone other than
their installer.
The dipole is a popular antenna with both shortwave listeners and amateur radio
operators. As you learned in Chap. 5, the dipole is usually horizontal, usually made
of wire or tubing, usually a half-wavelength long, usually erected outdoors, and usually
fed in the center (ideally) with open-wire line or 50- or 75-Ω coaxial cable. But
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