Yes I am one of those Ham Radio people that do not have alot of space to put up a large tower and a big gun beam antenna. I have been an Electronic Technician since 1984 and like the design aspect. At the present time I have a G5RV Juinor up and I am quite suprised as to what I can hear all over the world.
I have researched different methods of building antennas with local materials such as grey pvc conduit that is uv ray protected. There are ways to make moxon antennas with the pvc and some wire. You can also make quad antennas or even a vertical antenna. There are numerous web sites and you tube videos that are very informative.
I think for now I will keep planning on which antenna to build and what bands to cover. Maybe one of these days we will move to a house with some acreage to fit the antennas.
As for now I generally go around my yard and inspect the area for problems. The first and most important is the safety factor. Look up and make sure there are no power lines in close proximity to your antenna. I have read many times about someone who was killed by their antenna coming in contact with the power lines. There is nothing worse in this world then losing a loved one. There is no sense in becoming a silent key too soon.
Also look at the surrounding objects such as metal ones or trees. They may have a direct effect on the swr reading. There is no sense in burning up an expensive radio. I also look at where I can anchor my antenna. In other words will it be cemented into the ground or wall mounted. Also remember with a ground mounted omnidirectional antenna you will need the space for ground radials.
For my final thoughts at this time my advise is experiment and enjoy the hobby.
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