Subj : Looking into HAMing...
To   : Deuce
From : Angus McLeod
Date : Sat Aug 20 2005 08:47 am

  Re: Looking into HAMing...
  By: Deuce to Angus McLeod on Fri Aug 19 2005 22:02:00

 > I was thinking that with nearby power lines I'd want a vertical...

Ok, just remember that a vertical is the noisiest antenna you can get.

 > and for $20 new per band I'd have a total antenna expense of $60 *and* 
 > be able to easily keep the kids away from it.  Anything I need ground 
 > space for I need to build fence or something...

If you want to run a wire anrtenna like a dipole, you put up a couple of 
posts to hold the ends off the ground.  

 > Of course, there are regular residential power lines... 120v 60Hz... not sur
 > what kind of interference to expect from them.  ("these are...")

Certain utility poles will generate more noise than others.  If it gets 
bad, you get someone to sit by the rig and go out with a sledge hammer.  
Whack the pole a mighty one, and see if there is a noticeable surge in the 
noise.  If you find one or more poles that are noisy, call up the utility 
company and complain.  They should fix it.  As time goes by, the 
conditions at the top of the pole will deteriorate, so every couple of 
years you end up swinging the sledge hammer again...


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