Hi Mindy (KM1NDY): Underserved? Perhaps. So far I respect what you've written. That opinion remains unchanged. Jerk? If expressing strong opinions makes you a jerk, then I have a lot of friends who are jerks, and an XYL (Attorney), and myself who fall into that class. Well, we just met, on a forum, no less. So perhaps I'm missing something? No matter. I'm fine as long as the person expressing the opinion is being mostly constructive and not deliberately trying to do the opposite. Good to hear you're open to adventures with other hams. Half of my enjoyment of this hobby is socializing, building or upgrading stations, antennas, etc. with ham buddies. We certainly don't mope around much and complain about our aches and pains. Good idea to get Chip out and about - hope he takes you up on the offer. All the best! Brian - K6BRN
Low wooden fence antennas remind me of an old adage in the music business.... Q: How do you make a small fortune in the music business? A: Start with a large one! A low fence antenna has a tiny ERP at low elevation angles. As such, it can turn your (up to) 100 watts transceiver into a QRP one for DX, and your QRP rig into an RX only activity. Maybe THAT perspective hits home.
Let me redirect the simplistic adage being used here.. Instead of : ANY ANTENNA IS BETTER THAN NO ANTENNA Try: ANY ANTENNA IS AN INVITATION TO COME UP WITH A BETTER ONE.
Brian: Yup, it definitely sounds like you, your wife, and your friends fall into the "jerk" category. I think being someone that speaks their mind is the number one qualifier for the category in today's day and age Mindy (I am the same in this forum as I am in real life.)
Chip, these are words I agree 100% with! Is there anyone out there that thinks this is actually a good antenna configuration, though? I think it's just a necessity for some of us. Oh, and regarding my non-antenna antenna... The coax functioning as a random wire is obvious to me. The fact that the coax did not receive while open on one end and grounded on the other is still something I don't understand. Mindy
