I posted this in another forum and got some pretty good ideas but want to see if I get anything different here. I want to set up a base station, but I live in an apartment. Any suggestions for antennas since I can't drill any holes in the outside walls or mount anything to the structure.
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Base Help
- Thread starter jerseymike
- Start date
If you can't mount an antenna outside, then you're stuck with using one inside. There are a number of possibilities with that. They range from using a 'shorter' mobile antenna along with a ground wire or counterpoise, to some rather exotic doo-dads. Bunch of thingys in between those to points. Simplest is probably a dipole. From there, it's more of whatever your imagination can come up with. None of them will work as well as a half way reasonable outside antenna. There will be problems such as interference with your and your neighbor's electronics. Your choice of indoor antenna will have bearing on that, select the one that gives the least amount of 'other' problems. Which one is that? Good question! Wish there were a 'good' answer for it, there isn't. One of those "try it and see" thingys. Good luck! - 'Doc
If you can make it fit, sure, you can use a groundplane type antenna. The 'trick' is to make it fit inside the apartment. And it also depends on your definition of a groundplane antenna. That 'shorter' mobile antenna, along with a counterpoise, or maybe several of them, is a 'groundplane' type antenna (a vertical radiator and one or more wires for the 'other half' of the antenna). Those 'wires' should be at least as long as, or longer than, the vertical part of the antenna. One other thing to be aware of is that the ends of radiators tend to be electrically 'hot', as in a sort of high voltage is present. So insulate those 'ends'. Insulated wire with tape over the ends works. Don't touch, or let them touch stuff that'll burn/melt/make "ouching" noises easily.
- 'Doc
How about a magmount antenna stuck to the top or side of a refrigerator? Sort of like a magmount antenna on the roof of a 'Mini-Cooper' stood on it's back bumper in the corner. The only problem with that is getting the @#$ car into the apartment.
- 'Doc
How about a magmount antenna stuck to the top or side of a refrigerator? Sort of like a magmount antenna on the roof of a 'Mini-Cooper' stood on it's back bumper in the corner. The only problem with that is getting the @#$ car into the apartment.
if your apartment is connected to other apartments, you'd better make sure that NO ONE! knows you have a cb or an antenna.
you see, most apartments, townhouses, and condos use the same ground for all of the AC wiring for the whole building. also, this grounding is usually sub-par at best.
my point is that you are most likely going to cause all kinds of interference to your neighbors, even if you run a stock 4 watt radio. (and who does that?)
because of the proximity, the almost definite ground loops, and your neighbors' cheapo electronics; they are going to hear your voice.
having a CB and being afraid to key up is no fun.
might i suggest putting your money into a kickass mobile?
good luck,
LC
you see, most apartments, townhouses, and condos use the same ground for all of the AC wiring for the whole building. also, this grounding is usually sub-par at best.
my point is that you are most likely going to cause all kinds of interference to your neighbors, even if you run a stock 4 watt radio. (and who does that?)
because of the proximity, the almost definite ground loops, and your neighbors' cheapo electronics; they are going to hear your voice.
having a CB and being afraid to key up is no fun.
might i suggest putting your money into a kickass mobile?
good luck,
LC
firestick makes an indoor base antenna. ive never known anyone who had one but it looks like it might work. but i have to agree with loosecannon i know its not exactly what you posted about but if you really want to get into cb and you live in an apartment. save your money and throw some quality equipment into the that car. get yourself a good amplifier and a good cobra radio and nice antenna, and you will be set to go.
have a good one and welcome to the forum.
have a good one and welcome to the forum.
just curios but I used to talk to a jersey mike...he used to haul liquid asphalt to a GAF shingle plant up in massachusetts..any connection...sorry didn't mean to get off subject
Jerseymike,
If you like radio, but are limited with what you can do in an apartment, why not get your amateur tech license? The short test is very easy and almost free. With tech license in hand, you will then be able to use a hanheld VHF radio on 2 meters (or other bands) and hit local repeaters quite well. Best part is you can also take it with your, or attach it to a mobile antenna on your vehicle. Then you'll be talking all over town.
If you like radio, but are limited with what you can do in an apartment, why not get your amateur tech license? The short test is very easy and almost free. With tech license in hand, you will then be able to use a hanheld VHF radio on 2 meters (or other bands) and hit local repeaters quite well. Best part is you can also take it with your, or attach it to a mobile antenna on your vehicle. Then you'll be talking all over town.
Great suggestion,heres a link to some online test.
http://www.worldwidedx.com/showthread.php?t=25343
Try a LIL Will mag mount or other mag mount on a cooky sheet or pizza pan or fridge or radiator or airconditioner mounted in window antenna outside of course if your useing AC mounted in window.The others will work with antenna inside. I WOULD CHECK SWRS BEFORE TRANSMITTING JUST TO BE ON THE SAFE SIDE BUT RECIEVE SHOULD WORK JUST FINE!!
My ac unit is encased in aluminum and is right outside my dining room window where I would have the radio. How about a mag mount type antenna on this and will the fan coming on when the heater kicks on will interfere with the signal?
or I have a pole outside with a satellite dish mounted and already has a lightning rod in the ground. could I put an antenna on the same pole as the dish?
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