Digital Modes Meanderings
The Antenna Environment
So with the computer equipment assembled and loaded with software, the soundcard interface built, and the radio and ancillary equipment in good working order, I was in full digital mode operation. Of course, an antenna was needed as well. But at this point I will not go into the multiple iterations and variety of antennas that have graced the KE5CO suburban “estate”. In the beginning, when we first moved into the brand new home, the backyard looked like a desert. There was hardly a blade of grass (mostly weeds) much less a tree in the backyard. Now try to erect an antenna under those conditions, and remember no masts or towers allowed! Like many hams before me, due to HOA (Home Owners Association) restrictions I had to be creative in my antenna endeavors. In retrospect, having to jump the hurdles I did to operate successfully was probably the best thing to have happened to me in my ham radio “career”. I learned a vast amount about antennas and how they work because I did not have the easy or normal way available to me. The easy or normal way is the ability to go out and buy an antenna and tower (or mast) and erect it just about any way you please. You may get on the air a bit easier going the easy or normal way but you most likely will not learn much about antenna principles either. I had to research different types of antenna designs, pick a design that performed the best under mediocre installation conditions (and test it) and ensure it was as unobtrusive as possible. Oh yes, it had to be relatively easy and inexpensive to build too. Those however, were my own stipulations.
KE5CO backyard in 2002 KE5CO backyard in 2014
Twelve years and eight trees later the situation is much less bleak. The trees were “seeds” partially sown with future ham radio operations in mind and are now (in 2014) starting to pay dividends. I have not (as of yet) utilized the trees as antenna supports, but rather as a screen to shield or hide my antennas from easy view. This exact scenario of modest power and mediocre antenna is what makes the soundcard modes the salvation for many a digital mode operator forced to utilize such unfavorable conditions. Digital modes perform very well in less than desirable situations. Of course they excel in better situations. No ham need be forced off the air due to less than stellar operating conditions as long as they are willing to operate digital soundcard modes. Besides, they’re fun! My experiences surely differ from other hams but most likely are similar in many respects. Ultimately, the antenna design family that satisfied the majority of my digital operating needs and best fit my location is the vertical type. Your mileage may vary (YMMV) however.
Twelve years and eight trees later the situation is much less bleak. The trees were “seeds” partially sown with future ham radio operations in mind and are now (in 2014) starting to pay dividends. I have not (as of yet) utilized the trees as antenna supports, but rather as a screen to shield or hide my antennas from easy view. This exact scenario of modest power and mediocre antenna is what makes the soundcard modes the salvation for many a digital mode operator forced to utilize such unfavorable conditions. Digital modes perform very well in less than desirable situations. Of course they excel in better situations. No ham need be forced off the air due to less than stellar operating conditions as long as they are willing to operate digital soundcard modes. Besides, they’re fun! My experiences surely differ from other hams but most likely are similar in many respects. Ultimately, the antenna design family that satisfied the majority of my digital operating needs and best fit my location is the vertical type. Your mileage may vary (YMMV) however.
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