RadioBanter - View Single Post - LF Engineering H-800 Skymatch active antenna

The Traveler · November 19th 06, 06:44 AM posted to rec.radio.shortwave

On 17 Nov 2006 18:32:07 -0800, wrote:

I'm thinking about using this antenna for a condo I bought in San Diego
recently. There is insufficient space for a decent wire antenna and I
know I can sneak this up on the roof without any issues. It would
probably be mounted on a pole about 5 feet above the flat roof surface
with feedline down the outside of the building and into the window.
There are no high rises or structures that will be higher than the
antenna in the immediate area. The nearest power lines are about 65
feet away, however, this is pretty much an suburban area with the usual
load of computers, TVs and other RFI generators. What experiences has
anyone had with this antenna in a similar situation? Thanks for any
responses or comments.

Frank
K3YAZ
Tucson

I am using an H-800 at my condo here in Oceanside, CA. It's working
relatively well despite its size. I have it connected to a Ten Tec
RX-320D "black box" receiver. I also have a RF Systems "Mini Windom"
antenna which is connected to a Kenwood R-2000 (via a now discontinued
Palomar Engineers PA-360 pre-amp/LPF-HPF/attenuator). I bought the
H-800 from LF Engineering and the Mini Windom from Universal Radio
Inc.

I also have an MFJ-1786 HF loop which I use in conjunction with my
transceiver. I am contemplating switching the H-800 for a higher
performing H-900 being that both antennas are co-located. The H-900 is
an improved performance model that is exclusively sold through Grove
Enterprises (Monitoring Times).

All three are physically small and they are stealthily installed on my
balcony. In addition to keeping them discrete from condo management, I
also had to keep them discrete for my wife... another form of
management ;-)

With regards to noise, the basic rule still applies: place you antenna
as far as possible from noise sources. In my case, I did what I could
and reluctantly accept the interference I still receive (not much
choice when you are in a condo). The main noise culprits are
computers, dimmers and TV. Unfortunately, I have all three of these.

______________________

The Traveller
Oceanside, California