On CC&R DXpedition Model | Project 3BTV Halted
The property in front of our terrace belongs to the home owners association (HOA). Theoretically, my 3BTV was a good fit however raising HOA attention was not and we decided against the idea. Initially, the antenna seemed concealable enough then once I raised the aluminum, its mass was visually inescapable. Yet, I felt Project 3BTV, was achievable.
Retreat was necessary.
Problems seeking solutions.
I decided being pragmatic as a practical approach. The above photograph visually describes the obstacles confronting Project 3BTV. A ground mounted vertical 4-inches above adobe like soil sandwiched between a pair of condos is not effective. My 88-foot doublet fed with 450 Ohm window line deployed on a 33-foot push-up mast is, hands down, a better antenna system given this set of problems.
21st Century Antenna Systems.
There is little wiggle space for anything approaching a normalized antenna system. This is perhaps a common theme for some but not all low-profile high frequency (HF) operators. Antennas designed for open spaces with sufficient vertical and horizontal dimensions are 20th Century.
The 21st Century antenna system presents unique engineering challenges. Being loud gives way to being heard. That is, I'm trading off loud as understood in the 20th Century for being heard in the 21st. Antenna systems energized with levels of energy approaching 1500 watts are subsumed by energy levels approaching 100 watts or less into suboptimal antennas.
Within a suburban setting being heard is sufficient. However it does not mean giving up on the idea of approaching a normalized antenna system.
One step forward, two steps back.
I'm looking at the DXpedition model of operation for inspiration. This model, for me, best exemplifies operational dilemmas that many CC&R and/or HOA HF operators face. My possibilities, on the other hand, are vertically unlimited as I retreat to the drawing board.
73 from the shackadelic.
