On Mon, 3 Jan 2005 15:16:53 +0000 (UTC), "Simon Smith"
wrote:

I have been refused permission for any kind of outdoor Antenna due to the
area in which I live in the UK having "permitted development rights
removed"
I think that this may be a conservation area. Having recently passed the
foundation course I am getting impatient - and dissapointed to say the
least.
I am now faced with only one or two alternatives - an Indoor or Loft
Antenna. I realise that this may restrict me to 2m only but at least it
will be better than nothing - or to operate mobile only.
Has anyone on the group got any suggestions ? I have a fair sized loft with
approx. 2.5m headroom, which runs the whole width of the house -almost
30ft. - is there anything I use in the loft like a loop Antenna for instance
? Or a fixed Station Antenna ?

Thaks for your help
John
M3IIV

Dear John,

It has been my experience that the inefficiency of loft antennas make
them nearly useless. However, you have to work with what you've got.
My suggestion would be to build the best 20 meter dipole antenna you
can build for the space available. Try to keep the ends of the antenna
as far away from anything that absorbs RF as possible - even wood and
brick do absorb RF. If necessary, use loading coils in the dipole to
get the dipole resonant (at 14.070 MHz). Think about PSK31 as an
operational mode because that gives you the best bang for the buck in
terms of being heard 'round the world and being able to hear others in
adverse conditions.

Bob, W9DMK, Dahlgren, VA
http://www.qsl.net/w9dmk