so maybe this would work?

[mr_fx]

I was thinking about using my fence as a counterpoise and at the feedpoint attaching an element cut for 160m, 80m, 40, and possible 20m I figure I could fan them out and tie them to trees

anyone ever tried something like this?

 

[W5LZ]

I think it would probably work. The thing to think about is that depending on the fence used, if it's just around your property, or maybe connects to neighbor's fences, you are going to be using all of that fence as part of your antenna system. that means that if the neighbor's fences are close to their houses, you have an almost direct path to them for RF. That might not be such a good thing, you know?
- 'Doc

 

[mr_fx]

it is near them, and does share and all the fences on our block are at least semi-connected, BUT the fences are mainly in the back yard only. Further more I wouldn't expect the fence to radiate much past the the top rail

I realize that the top rails are connected to the chain link and the posts, BUT I just don't see them having a decent enough connection radiate much juice at all

 

[BJ radionut]

Mr FX: Tell you what I did, and have never had an issue....
This took a little time but....Down along the bottom of my fence was a stainless steel cable (maybe 1/8 inch), it ran continuous. I am guessing it was there to help stabilize it between poles. I snaked a #10/or #12 copper wire through the links with it.
I then at some of the poles "Tek" screwed the wire it to the pole and top rail.
The gates got a #6 attached to each pole an in the dirt under the gate opening....I set a couple(2) short 4 ft ground rods near where fences are shared.... I also brought a #6 from the fence(in the dirt about 40ft) to my "Shack" ground. The tower/fence/and 3 rods at the shack are all connected.
Now big (question/answer) here!
Does it Help?....Hell I don't know!
What you think DOC?.....Can't hurt right!
FX: What tree's and space have you got to work with?
All the Best
BJ

 

[RatsoW8]

It will work and not to well and you'll definitely need a tuner. I tried it already. Is the fence insulated from ground?

 

[mr_fx]

Right now I am running the south rain gutter (in addition to the down spout) connected to the coax center conductor and then I attached the shield to some 18 gauge balling wire that connects to the top post of the south fence line at the area marked in red

 

[mr_fx]

It will work and not to well and you'll definitely need a tuner. I tried it already. Is the fence insulated from ground?

I have an MFJ-962c. good to hear someone that tried it. well the top rail is connected to the posts and the posts are cemented in the ground

 

[BJ radionut]

What kind of restrictions?....I know lot of questions....
You've got some good space...for antennas...even some low sight impact wire antennas...
All the Best
BJ

 

[W5LZ]

Another part of it that could use some thinking. If it's a typical chain-link fence the posts are set in concrete and there's not much 'grounding' happening. Concrete is not a very good 'ground' at all, and why most towers set in concrete also require separate grounding. That fence might work as a counterpoise, but I seriously doubt if it's much 'ground'.
So, give it a try and see what happens. Any sudden unexplained RFI? Try disconnecting that 'ground' and see what happens. I learned that from experience, I don't use the fence as part of RF grounding anymore. The RFI problems I had in my house decided me. Luckily the problems the neighbors may have had didn't last long enough for them to come knocking on my door. Don't take my word for it, try it and see...
- 'Doc

 

[mr_fx]

What kind of restrictions?....I know lot of questions....
You've got some good space...for antennas...even some low sight impact wire antennas...
All the Best
BJ

no restrictions really. I just need a TX lockout when/if the kids are in the yard and can reach an antenna

 

[mr_fx]

maybe a 1/4 wave fanned inverted L (160/80/40) I still think I could use the top fence rail as a counterpoise, instead of just connecting the shield directly to a ground rod

 

[binrat]

Try it, thats half the fun in building antennas.

 

[mr_fx]

Try it, thats half the fun in building antennas.

getting ready to as we speak

 

[mr_fx]

launching nearly 150ft of wire is not as easy as you might think

 

[mr_fx]

well the way I have everything hooked up is simple...

Yeasu FT890(HF RIG) > 3ft RG8 MINI > MFJ 962c(TUNER) > RG8 MINI 24 ft > antenna

the antenna is as follows center conductor of the coax runs to a point that has 3 elements one is a little over 140ft, then around 75ft and around 40 ft


@ 1.8Mhz the SWR is a little less than 3:1, however it is closer to 1.2:1 @ 1.6Mhz... and @ 2.0Mhz it is a solid 5:1 or more

the tuner does nearly nothing for this, in fact I think it's a 'better' situation with out the tuner

the story is nearly the same on 80m and 40m too...

however the higher up in the bands you get the better the match becomes

this is leading me to think that the top rail of the chain link fence is not making for a very good counterpoise...

well I am open to ideas.