On Fri, 17 Jun 2011 11:53:09 -0700 (PDT), Michael
wrote:

Hiya...

Non technical newly minted ham here :-)

Now that I've decided on what to get for my first ham radio,
(TS-590s)
I'm moving on to deciding on an antenna.

The goal will be DX'ing the ham bands with phone and eventually CW.
I'm looking for an antenna set up that will work on 10 to 80 meters.
Of course, multiple specific antennas would be an ideal, but that is
not in the cards.

I've had a few options in mind. All of course, would be coupled with
an antenna tuner if the internal auto tuner on the radio cold not do
the job.


The first antenna you buy or build will be a disappointment.

Bigger is always better than smaller with an antenna. We all
eventually learn that.

A multi band antenna is like a Swiss Army Knife. (I use both!) They
are very handy, but it is always easy to find a better solution to the
task at hand.

Cautiously imitate the success of others before you get too serious
about innovating. There are reasons why some antennas or equipment are
or are not popular.

Locally here in Central North Carolina the recommendation to new Hams
is what is known as the G5RV antenna. There are a lot of respected
vendors who offer G5RV's at competitive prices. You will need some
kind of tuner sooner or later.

Get on the air! Find out what direction you really want to go.