On Wed, 18 Apr 2007 09:45:39 GMT, "Andre & Sharon Walker"
wrote:

I was hoping to get away from traps, but i dont think its possible :-(. I
only have a smallish yard, with just 30m from the chimmny (brick ) to the
back of the yard, so i think a decent wire antenna is out...but i am open to
suggestions. I guess the other considerstion is to keep "she inside" happy .

Andre

You can trust Owen's advice!

Here is some recommended reading on the subject from another reliable
source:

http://www.bencher.com/pdfs/00815ZZV.pdf
http://www.bencher.com/pdfs/00816ZZV.pdf

I have found Bencher's products to be a bit pricey but they are high
quality. They do have some low cost solutions.

Cushcraft is my favorite supplier because for a given type of antenna
they are the lowest cost solution. You must beware when dealing with
them that they are inclined to sell what is popular rather than what
is best for a given design.

The big problem with a multi band antenna is it is like a Swiss Army
knife. You can make it work but never as well as a single purpose
device. I find twenty meters to be the most active all-around band.

BTW, I spend more time tinkering with antennas than operating.

Congratulations on the new ticket! If you don't find what you want in
Amateur Radio you are not looking in the right place...

John Ferrell W8CCW
"Life is easier if you learn to
plow around the stumps"