Thanks Roger -- I already knew that but didn't at all consider it
during my recent explorations into the counterpoise system. How
I managed to ignore it defys explanation -- I keep asking myself
how that occurred. I think it may have been a cross between
psychological suggestion and some form of denial in wanting
a good and clean signal.

In particular I really enjoyed the tipoff to RadioBanter.com
which I intend to explore more, and the discussions were
informative. In particular, where there are links to other
threads I found some of Reg Edwards material which
has always been worthy of reading.

I went to bed satisfied that I could now get on the
air and not set off any alarms etc, and although I don't
recall them when I woke up, I'm sure I must have
dreamed about good times on the air again! I've
been in and out of the hospital for a couple years
and have not been on the air since about mid
2009. I'm better now and looking forward to
lots of radio activity!

As I mentioned in earlier posts, I have never been
power hungry and have generally operated in the
under 25 watt range -- now I'm going to be what
I call 'ham flyfishing' i.e. QRP.

Now I can do some further experimentation such
as using individual counterpoise wires for each band,
and possibly even a variable inductor to fine tune the
counterpoise, and assorted things like that. I have
never been as interested in operating as in the
technical aspects -- especially the eternal search
for the utopian small antenna/DX magnet. My
DX interest extends only in so far as it is the
on the air tests that tell you how well your
antenna system is functioning given a
non-adjustable set of propagation conditions.

Now I have only to look forward to a good
sunspot cycle and perhaps just a little more
global warming to help me through those
cold Alberta winters!

What's your call? Where are you located?
I saw a .ca somewhere but that doesn't tell me
much.

Thanks again,

Irv VE6BP

Gonna ham away my 'golden years'!

"Roger" wrote in message
news:11291508.1749.1335373308176.JavaMail.geo-discussion-forums@pbbpz9...
On Tuesday, April 24, 2012 9:11:06 PM UTC-7, Irv Finkleman wrote:

Thusly, my goal is to provide myself with a first rate
RF ground system, entirely contained within my suite,
in order that I do not wake up at night with the fire
alarms set off and great numbers of disturbed
residents gathered around pointing at me and saying
'Ham! Ham! For Shame! For Shame!' and the Residents
Council having special meetings to decide how to deal
with me. They already think I'm crazy -- and I may be
somewhat, but I don't want to make matters worse!

So, having herein explained my rational, lets see what
help I can get in the way of producing the ideal indoor
low-cost non-radiating counterpoise radial system.

Actually, I have lots of wire for the radials, the
tuner contains a loading coil to assist in tuning
the counterpoise, and my big concern is how do
I determine when the counterpoise is operating
effectively. The metering system in the tuner should
reach a peak and subside on either side of the
correct counterpoise tuning point, and what I
really need to know is how to determine when the
stray RF is minimized if not eliminated.


Irv,

Nice to hear that you got something working and are back on the air.
However I want to point out some incorrect assumptions you made earlier
about RFI and stray RF from counterpoises.

The subject of radiating counterpoises in an apartment was discussed in this
Usenet group a few years ago. Here is a link that provides some more info
for you.

How much does a counterpoise radiate? -
http://www.radiobanter.com/showthread.php?t=117807

The counterpoise you have inside your apartment will definitely radiate into
the building as will the length of antenna running from the tuner to the
hole in the window. In another post you said you were running QRP at 5
watts. You may not have any RFI problems with other electronics in your
building at these low levels. If you crank up the power to 100 watts I
don't think you will be so lucky...

On Wednesday, April 25, 2012 11:47:55 AM UTC-7, Irv Finkleman wrote:


In particular I really enjoyed the tipoff to RadioBanter.com
which I intend to explore more, and the discussions were
informative. In particular, where there are links to other
threads I found some of Reg Edwards material which
has always been worthy of reading.


Irv,

If you found the radio banter discussion interesting you will really enjoy the forum on restrictive antennas at eham. Pages and pages of stuff written by hams living in condos, HOA and apartments. Here is the link....

http://www.eham.net/ehamforum/smf/in...board,2.0.html

Now that you are feeling better you can start having some fun back on the bands. You might find some of the digital modes like PSK31, WSPR etc. fun and they don't generate "recognizable RFI" like CW and SSB.

Roger