Highland Ham wrote in
:

Steve wrote:
I've been a SWLer for years and am considering getting a ham license.
However, I live in an urban area (Brooklyn) and wonder just how
effectively I can transmit from here. Big outdoor antennas and ground
radials are out of the question.

Obviously I'd be starting out on VHF and UHF frequencies, perhaps
with only a modest handheld transceiver. Handhelds look pretty puny,
but is this appearance deceptive? Would one allow me to talk to lots
of people and learn from them?

Any insights you can share will be greatly appreciated.
=================================
Suggest you have a look at http://www.hamlan.org/tech/tech.htm.

20m loaded mini-dipole by IK2BCP (length 1.75 metres or 5 3/4 feet)

This is an antenna for QRP (low power ) operation , but by using
thicker wire for the coils it will be suitable for higher RF power.

Results with this antenna are positively surprising.

Absolutely. Sometimes we get so caught up in big balls antennas
that we discount the little ones.

.... Gaw, did I actually say that? ;^)

Point is, if you can't put up a 40 meter beam, don't let it keep
you from putting up a modest antenna.

- 73 de Mike KB3EIA -