On 7 Feb 2005 08:49:00 -0800, "jimbo" wrote:

The "Screwdriver" antennas by Hi-Q, TarHeel or High Sierra look very
interesting for HOA restricted locations. Does anyone have any
experience with one of these antennas? Also, does anyone have
experience using one as a base rather than mobile?

Thanks for any advice, jimbo


I don't have experience with them base or mobile except to have been
on a trip with someone who has one on his truck. The antenna is
great. If you must have a compromise antenna, putting one of these on
the roof, maybe with the coil disguised in what looks like a vent,
might be a great antenna.

As I understand it, you will want to use as many tuned radials around
the antenna as you can get away with, at least two per band (four if
possible) for maximum signal. However, if that isn't possible, you
may consider grounding it to a large metal surface that surrounds the
antenna.

I don't know of an efficient way to hide one in a tree, but someone
here might have an idea that will be useful. Since it tunes itself,
you won't need a tuner and 50 ohm coax will be sufficient.

Chances are you will need to add some form of one-to-one balun (UNUN)
or hang a suitable number of ferrite beads on the coax next to the
antenna to prevent radiation from traveling back down the coax.

I have heard a lot of good reports from people that use them. I
understand that there are about three grades of the screwdriver
antennas. The smaller ones have more loss than the larger ones. It
is up to your budget as to whether you want to pay for that extra
little bit of signal you get with the larger antennas.

I wish you the best on it.

73

--
73 for now
Buck
N4PGW