One to add: metal roof In my neighborhood, a lot of houses that were originally shake changed their roof to "metal tile." I'm a new ham, and I don't have a clear idea of how it could affect an external antenna; but it is incredibly problematic for any radios inside the house. Cell phones are the big thing, but my first HT also does not receive well from local repeaters. Same for just basic commercial AM/FM. Once we get a chance, the whole roof will need to be redone.. and I think I'll go eith something non-conductive them.
Jim, thanks very much for your videos. We are moving and I’m mortified to lose ability to play with my radio gear. You gave me much to look at and think about. Best to you!
Wow this video just became available 24 seconds ago! Jim I often recommend to your channel to people. I've seen posts even on QRZ about people saying they are overwhelmed with ham radio and don't know where to begin ... I just say please, for goodness sake's, just watch Jim W6LG's channel and it's all there including views of him operation and working DX in a super cool station. If that doesn't get you interested nothing will. It's all here on your channel Jim and people need to know that. Thanks for you all you do. Looking great BTW!
Great topic Jim! When considering a home, I consider where my antennas will go, and where my shack will be. I also check for the existence of a HOA, to be sure I don’t get “nasty grams” for having antennas. I also look for high-voltage power line towers. The home I live in now isn’t ideal. The price was right and my XYL wanted it. I’m at 1050 feet ASL, on a ridge, but my house is in a low spot within the ridge, blocked in three directions. HF signals still propagate okay but I had to switch from a 7.8 dB gain VHF antenna to a 4.5 dB, in order to keep my VHF signals out of the dirt hill on three sides. BTW, I know a guy who won’t ground anything, not even his transceivers. He has never had a lightning strike cause damage to his equipment in over 30 years. I’m on a ground floor, so I grounded everything to a ground rod outside the window. I use an Alpha-Delta antenna switch and I grounded it for when I’m not operating. I switch it to the ground position. If I had to run a ground wire too far, I would not. The long ground wire itself would become problematic. Two of my neighbors, even though we have no HOA, came over and complained while I was stringing up my first dipole between trees. They weren’t able to stop me but they weren’t happy. A few years later we had a tornado bearing down on us. I received an early warning via SKYWARN. I called my neighbors and warned them to get into a safe place. They thanked me. Subsequently, one of them saw me going up my ladder to install a new BalUn for one of my antennas. He walked over and offered to hold the ladder. 73, de N4HNH
Excellent. They should really welcome us into their neighborhoods. We are a tremendous resource when the stuff hits the fan. About that ground rod, In some instances it is compliant with the NEC. However, in most situations it is not and it posses a hazard. The idea being that all current must flow back to the main panel in the event of a fault. If you have a question please let me know. We can chat on the phone or Skype. We can also talk about the so called RF ground. That can be an interesting discussion. Thanks again! 73, Jim W6LG
Agree or disagree you always give me food for thought. I have always attached my radios to a ground rod. My wife and I are home shopping. You’ve given us a lot to consider.
At approx 13:47 you briefly mentioned rising ground being a negative. Are you talking about hills off in the distance. or land near the antenna site that has a sharp incline? If you could elaborate, I am sure several of us would benefit.
Jim, it's great to see you back on UA-cam. You're looking healthy! You live in a fantastic location. I hiked past you last year, not too far east, on the Pacific Crest Trail. Beautiful country! Great tips on site selection! EDIT: Probably too obvious, but check on the HOA. I'm so lucky to live in a subdivision without an HOA (a rarity here), and I will never, ever move to a location with an HOA or covenants! 73
Hello Jim: Another excellent video sir. Your really touched on many interesting & important issues. Where I live here in N.J. you will never be able to install a tower. Please be well & stay safe kind sir, 73's , TMP from N.J.
In Florida I find it hard to stay away from high tension power lines. Noise problems always. In my 4th home and in the clear of power line noise! It's great.
Many thanks!! I am a little surprised at the very good comments. Many are contacting me with questions and saying thank you for the information. 73, Jim
Jim, Very informative article. I've lived in my house for 40yrs and recently became a Ham. Placement of major non-movable electrical items should be a consideration. My A/C air handler is on the left side of my shack and the A/C compressor and 220V service line is on the right side of the shack. Their close proximity produces excessive noise when running.
The homes septic System: Is it on a public sewage line, a traditional septic system with lateral lines, or an aerobic system with sprinklers. I have an aerobic system and the sprinkler system area causes you to lose allot of real estate and the system is constantly running an air pump and kicking on and off the effluent pump.
Hi Jim, When I was planning to install a tubular crank up tower forty three years ago, the only two requirements the township engineer wanted was that the concrete pad met engineering standards and if the tower fell while extended, it would need to fall within the property line. Wanted a seventy-seven foot tower, but had to settle for a forty-five foot tower to meet the fall requirement. Stay safe. 73 WJ3U
Jim, Please discuss more about rf ground. I am so confused about it and does it have any effect on RFI? Why do so many very intelligent hams behave adamantly about RF ground?
Thanks for your video Jim. Licensed in 63 I can relate to this video and it's content. I've often thought what you said about grounds. I try to just keep my equipment out of the path of our Florida T storm's furry. After all these years I now have a small lightweight station FT891 and an IC705. Along with a 38 Special I built in the 90s. 73. Don K7DT, WN4APX 1962 or 1963.
when I lived in Agricultural area of Rural Utah. we had neighbour who bought 250 acres of farm land ( around $300K at that time ) just to do ham radio. poor guy, electric fence interference from miles away. often those interference are intermittent.
Agree on the Federal Pacific main electrical panels being bad news. I think you're likely to find them in homes built in the 50's to 80's. They are the subject of a recall by the Consumer Products Safety Commission. I believe part of the problem was that cramped panel interiors forced electricians to bend lines to a tight radius. When we found out these were a problem we had a new 200A main panel installed. As for aluminum wiring we've had problems too. When we purchased a new house in 1975 the wiring in the meter base failed within a year. Fortunately the electrical connection gave out. The bakelite base where the meter plugged in was reduced to something that looked like charcoal. The inside glass of the meter was covered in sublimed brown tar. Close call.
Thank you again for helping with a valuable explanation that may save someone a lot of suffering. As a Deputy BI, I saw so much that was just flat dangerous. Like you, things that were just ready to burst into flames. Thanks Tom. 73, JIm
@@ham-radio Maybe you can have a short segment on vintage tube transmitters and the effect of a failed plate blocking capacitor. Can be quite exciting.
The major points you hit on are very accurate. I’m a bit confused about sloping ground and rising ground. NEVER EVER take the realtors word for anything. I look for target problems. Maybe transformers that are rusted and buzzing. 10k volt power lines. Distance from any outdoor high powered lighting such as a car dealership or flower house for indoor grow lights. I spent a week walking my neighborhood before I moved in with a portable radio on AM looking for anything squirrelly. I look for erosion in the soil and dead trees on the downward slopes. Grounded receptacles are a MUST. I request a sellers disclosure agreement before anything. Some things to consider are making your tower tilt. Will there be a tree in the way. Will it tilt over the sidewalk. At 30ft you need to look for guy wire paths. Are they possible. I research my soon to be neighbors. Do they have a criminal history in sex offense. Are they picking up the junk that blows in after a strong southwest wind. There are many variables that come into play and you hit on all of them, Jim. The best places to live here in Ky are rural areas but no internet. Star link is still in a holding phase. You make the best videos my friend. I hope you get things straightened out with your care providers. Get aggressive. I did when caring for my father. Find happiness when you are able. 73 Jim and hpe to chat soon.
The first thing I did is visit the local building dept. and asked about their regulations for ham radio towers. They replied...what's a ham radio? hihi. They sent me to the planning dept. who explained antennas should not extend much above the tree canopies. Since the trees top out at 110' I was okay with that. I asked who do I contact to confirm the height, after installation? Well since the building dept. doesn't issue permits for ham radio towers they are relying on the honor system. I messaged the seller, SOLD!!
I've got a few hundred acres to work with, with very high conductivity soil, nearest neighbor is over a half mile away. I'm in prime radio country, and I can tell it in performance. Low noise, and with enough room for 62 foot ground radials for my Hustler 6, more often than not I'm crushing my way on top of pile ups, even with just a vertical, and working weak signal with ease. I hear all the time from people on HF about the woes they have in moving, where they live, and how they can't put up antennas, or make terrible compromises, and endless other problems with urban or suburban noise and trouble. I feel bad for them, and wonder about how this will all affect the future of HF in the coming years. The whole modern American idea of "success" being a transient white collar professional hunting down whatever job pays best never appealed to me for a second. Everything in life, from changes, to life in general, and now even my hobbies, means I benefit greatly from never having signed up for the "modern ideal".
Your definition of "American success" varies greatly from most of my friends here in America want or desire. Many, like you, have a distorted view of Americans based on movies, actors, notables, politicians, news people and other manifestations. At 73 years old, I think I have a better idea of what most of us want than what you might see or perceive from outside the U.S. Give it a rest my friend. 73, Jim W6LG
Hi, Jim. Great information on location and ham radio. I had not thought of some things you mentioned and I hope I never have to move from my large acreage! Alan KZ6B
Need one of these talks about buying cars that are going to be used for mobile HF use. Too many noisy cars these days. I have a very difficult time getting away from neighborhood noise these days anywhere in the city (cities).
Excellent points! I am also a long time licensed appraiser and broker but only a 7-year old ham. Do not trust the agent...very true - need to do your due diligence or hire a trusted person to help you out. Only true interest the agent has is in their commission. We are in HOA hades for now, but sure will use a list once we can be released from our confinement here in CA. Mostly operating portable, enjoying SOTA/POTA - do what you can with what you have.
I agree completely. It is better for the potential buyer to go the Assessor's Office, Planning Department, Health Department, Building Department and any place where there are records and get copies. If the potential buyer does not understand the jargon and meaning, he or she needs to hire a professional. And, that would not be the Home Inspector guy. Often the secrets about a house and the land is hidden in the Assessor's records and notes. I know that because the is exactly what I did for a living in LA and Nevada County. Thanks. 73, Jim
Thanks! I appreciate it. The next one should be interesting too. I am working on tha now and I think it will cause some head scratching about why. 73, Jim
You live in a very nice place. Very enjoyable seeing the are via your antenna. Be Safe Happy and have Peace. 57 years a Ham Where are the friendly areas in Arizona for Hams? I have not heard of any.
I'd add walk around with a handheld am radio. Will help find stray rf. Take a look around for solar panels. The controllers can put off rf. Especially, the older systems. Here in southern Arizona, I've had my share of fun with solar panel problems.
Do you know how i could get someone to come out to my residence and scan for all the different types of RF ? I think i have higher than normal emf readings but i really do not know anything about it.
Great Video Jim.... One important point... Is there Internet and or cell service in the area, and if not what are the future plans for internet in that area. You did mention this at the very end but many rural locals which check off a few boxes (space, neighbors, RF quiet, etc. may be totally devoid of internet access which can be problematic with logging lookups, spotters, etc)... in my area running a 30A 220V circuit into my radio room (for an amplifier) did cost me about $1K in labor and materials and quite a bit of my own labor to patch plaster and wallboard and painting after the electrician was done with his work. But where there is a will, there is a way. 73 Art W1SWL
OM! That is a very high labor cost for what is really a simple addition. I am sure you know that too now. In the long term, that electrical change will be very valuable to you as you add equipment. You and I need lots of electrical outlets that are properly wired. Okay, see you on 20 meter SSB sometime soon. 73, Jim
Hey Tim! We will talk soon. I have been really busy with Kaiser and my complaints about the lack of good care. I think someone is now listening. What they do is yet to be seen. 73, Jim
Flashing beacons for red lights and school zones create havoc along with power substations. I've talked to the owners of the flashing beacons and they say that the equipment is installed to code.
Other than rust, the potential for leaks, nails popping up, the gasket around nails cracking because of sunlight and heat, noise when it rains, popping sounds from movement due to heat and I can't think of anything else. If possible, would not buy a house with all metal siding and roofing. 73, Jim W6LG
Thanks for the quick reply. I am considering moving my shack from an upstairs bedroom in the house to my insulated 30x50 metal barn, but was just wondering if I might run into performance issues for some reason related to the all metal structure. I live on a couple of acres and want to put up a tower, but trying to decide house or barn? BTW, the barn was built in the '90s and has never had a new roof and has never leaked. 73, N9LEE
I can't think of anything else that you didn't already touch on ... Great idea for a video though, listening to it enroute to Dayton to pick up the drake's we spoke of a short time back...73 WD8JM
Hi Jim, Height of an antenna above the ground below it has real impact on the angle of departure. Height of an antenna above sea level???? How is living at 8000 feet any better at 200 feet? 73, Bob - W6OPO
A friend here in SA set up a temporary ham station at a property he was considering buying to check for local noise. Is the camera mounted permanently on your tower? What is the setup? Wired? Wireless? Etc.
I had a friend toss a rope over the boom. I pulled a 360Max camera up to the boom and rotated the antenna. It was just temporary. The neighbors would not be happy with a camera up there. I keep the tower nested most of the time using a motorized winch with a PWM device from a switch mode power supply. Thanks John & 73, Jim
She who must be obeyed desires to move from the Seattle area to Florida and do it soon.Hate to go but, sniff sniff. Thank you so much for this video, it will be of great help. 73 de AA7MO
Another educating video as always. Sir, I am new in the hobby, do you have an email address where I can ask questions regarding home brewed antennas? I sure would appreciate it.
Canada Rules Tower and antenna no more than 15 mts tall no problem at all, if you want a taller antenna tower you need to hire profesional tower installation , plus antenna tower will pay tax fee every year. The tower must be 5 mts away from neighbours fences. The rotation radius of antenna shouldn’t invade neighbours air space
" 5-10% grade"...." soil conductivity..." 100% MYTH. I live in a hole. Its called "a Holler" here. Im at 840 MSL and hills and mountains all around. I have to look " up" all around at least 20 degrees to see horizon. Our soil is almost all clay. I work EU, Africa and S America regularly with ONE TO TEN WATT.S and a DIPOLE. My 20 dp is up at 17 feet. This is all myth to compensate for miserable compromise antennas like Yagis, which I regularly stomp all over with a fraction of the TX power. I REGULARLY " shut down" ( in CB parlance) ops with Yagis and hex beams and amplifiers. Embarass them.
Since I was impressed with your camera's clarity, resolution etc., could you give me a little direction as to type of camera your used. Was consider using a wired unit for SKYWARN weather spotting, one that was going to break rhe bank, so not know more, was trying to get something that performed as well as yours. Thks, your a blessing to the radio community .
One to add: metal roof
In my neighborhood, a lot of houses that were originally shake changed their roof to "metal tile." I'm a new ham, and I don't have a clear idea of how it could affect an external antenna; but it is incredibly problematic for any radios inside the house. Cell phones are the big thing, but my first HT also does not receive well from local repeaters. Same for just basic commercial AM/FM.
Once we get a chance, the whole roof will need to be redone.. and I think I'll go eith something non-conductive them.
Jim, thanks very much for your videos. We are moving and I’m mortified to lose ability to play with my radio gear.
You gave me much to look at and think about.
Best to you!
Wow this video just became available 24 seconds ago! Jim I often recommend to your channel to people. I've seen posts even on QRZ about people saying they are overwhelmed with ham radio and don't know where to begin ... I just say please, for goodness sake's, just watch Jim W6LG's channel and it's all there including views of him operation and working DX in a super cool station. If that doesn't get you interested nothing will. It's all here on your channel Jim and people need to know that. Thanks for you all you do. Looking great BTW!
Thank you! I do appreciate it very much. 73, Jim
Great topic Jim! When considering a home, I consider where my antennas will go, and where my shack will be. I also check for the existence of a HOA, to be sure I don’t get “nasty grams” for having antennas. I also look for high-voltage power line towers.
The home I live in now isn’t ideal. The price was right and my XYL wanted it. I’m at 1050 feet ASL, on a ridge, but my house is in a low spot within the ridge, blocked in three directions. HF signals still propagate okay but I had to switch from a 7.8 dB gain VHF antenna to a 4.5 dB, in order to keep my VHF signals out of the dirt hill on three sides.
BTW, I know a guy who won’t ground anything, not even his transceivers. He has never had a lightning strike cause damage to his equipment in over 30 years. I’m on a ground floor, so I grounded everything to a ground rod outside the window. I use an Alpha-Delta antenna switch and I grounded it for when I’m not operating. I switch it to the ground position. If I had to run a ground wire too far, I would not. The long ground wire itself would become problematic.
Two of my neighbors, even though we have no HOA, came over and complained while I was stringing up my first dipole between trees. They weren’t able to stop me but they weren’t happy. A few years later we had a tornado bearing down on us. I received an early warning via SKYWARN. I called my neighbors and warned them to get into a safe place. They thanked me. Subsequently, one of them saw me going up my ladder to install a new BalUn for one of my antennas. He walked over and offered to hold the ladder.
73, de N4HNH
Excellent. They should really welcome us into their neighborhoods. We are a tremendous resource when the stuff hits the fan. About that ground rod, In some instances it is compliant with the NEC. However, in most situations it is not and it posses a hazard. The idea being that all current must flow back to the main panel in the event of a fault. If you have a question please let me know. We can chat on the phone or Skype. We can also talk about the so called RF ground. That can be an interesting discussion. Thanks again! 73, Jim W6LG
As long as you're on the same page as the XYL in agreement of "NO HOA"! 😄
@@ham-radio I think RF ground is a term people use when they really should say counterpoise.
73, Doug
Great points Jim.
Thanks Jim
Agree or disagree you always give me food for thought. I have always attached my radios to a ground rod. My wife and I are home shopping. You’ve given us a lot to consider.
Over regulation tends to ruin any opportunity for personal freedoms when it comes to radio work and realestate
At approx 13:47 you briefly mentioned rising ground being a negative. Are you talking about hills off in the distance. or land near the antenna site that has a sharp incline? If you could elaborate, I am sure several of us would benefit.
Jim you left out the biggest consideration. THE WIFE!! Great video have enjoyed your channel for yrs.
Absolutely! That was the case with me. I wanted a different house. Thanks Justin and 73 from Jim W6LG
Camera on a beam what a good idea. I'm too old to have an Elmer -I think- but you'd be my first choice, love your video productions. n2eye, NYC
Thank you Sir! Very timely information for me ,as always I appreciate what you do for all of us in the ham community.
Jim, it's great to see you back on UA-cam. You're looking healthy!
You live in a fantastic location. I hiked past you last year, not too far east, on the Pacific Crest Trail. Beautiful country!
Great tips on site selection!
EDIT: Probably too obvious, but check on the HOA. I'm so lucky to live in a subdivision without an HOA (a rarity here), and I will never, ever move to a location with an HOA or covenants!
73
Hello Jim: Another excellent video sir. Your really touched on many interesting & important issues. Where I live here in N.J. you will never be able to install a tower. Please be well & stay safe kind sir, 73's , TMP from N.J.
Good to see your channel and videos back. Thanks for everything you have done for the hobby!
Thanks for watching and your support Paul. 73, Jim
In Florida I find it hard to stay away from high tension power lines. Noise problems always. In my 4th home and in the clear of power line noise! It's great.
NO HOA Homes!
EXCELLENT !!!
Many thanks!! I am a little surprised at the very good comments. Many are contacting me with questions and saying thank you for the information. 73, Jim
Jim, Very informative article. I've lived in my house for 40yrs and recently became a Ham. Placement of major non-movable electrical items should be a consideration. My A/C air handler is on the left side of my shack and the A/C compressor and 220V service line is on the right side of the shack. Their close proximity produces excessive noise when running.
The homes septic System: Is it on a public sewage line, a traditional septic system with lateral lines, or an aerobic system with sprinklers. I have an aerobic system and the sprinkler system area causes you to lose allot of real estate and the system is constantly running an air pump and kicking on and off the effluent pump.
This was a very informative video. I use a atar 120 on the back side of my condo. No one has complained but that could happen next week.
Hey Jim, good to see you. You looking pretty well. Your neighborhood looks peaceful and safe. 73 de Your Friend Uncle Guenter 💯🙏
Thanks 👍
Rocklin is great, have a place in Folsom and nice to see how small the world is!
Hi neighbor. I hope to hear you on HF sometime soom.73, Jim
Hi Jim,
When I was planning to install a tubular crank up tower forty three years ago, the only two requirements the township engineer wanted was that the concrete pad met engineering standards and if the tower fell while extended, it would need to fall within the property line. Wanted a seventy-seven foot tower, but had to settle for a forty-five foot tower to meet the fall requirement. Stay safe. 73 WJ3U
Jim, Please discuss more about rf ground. I am so confused about it and does it have any effect on RFI? Why do so many very intelligent hams behave adamantly about RF ground?
45ft is still decent.
Thanks for your video Jim. Licensed in 63 I can relate to this video and it's content. I've often thought what you said about grounds. I try to just keep my equipment out of the path of our Florida T storm's furry. After all these years I now have a small lightweight station FT891 and an IC705. Along with a 38 Special I built in the 90s. 73. Don K7DT, WN4APX 1962 or 1963.
when I lived in Agricultural area of Rural Utah. we had neighbour who bought 250 acres of farm land ( around $300K at that time ) just to do ham radio. poor guy, electric fence interference from miles away. often those interference are intermittent.
Agree on the Federal Pacific main electrical panels being bad news. I think you're likely to find them in homes built in the 50's to 80's. They are the subject of a recall by the Consumer Products Safety Commission. I believe part of the problem was that cramped panel interiors forced electricians to bend lines to a tight radius. When we found out these were a problem we had a new 200A main panel installed.
As for aluminum wiring we've had problems too. When we purchased a new house in 1975 the wiring in the meter base failed within a year. Fortunately the electrical connection gave out. The bakelite base where the meter plugged in was reduced to something that looked like charcoal. The inside glass of the meter was covered in sublimed brown tar. Close call.
Thank you again for helping with a valuable explanation that may save someone a lot of suffering. As a Deputy BI, I saw so much that was just flat dangerous. Like you, things that were just ready to burst into flames. Thanks Tom. 73, JIm
@@ham-radio Maybe you can have a short segment on vintage tube transmitters and the effect of a failed plate blocking capacitor. Can be quite exciting.
The major points you hit on are very accurate. I’m a bit confused about sloping ground and rising ground. NEVER EVER take the realtors word for anything. I look for target problems. Maybe transformers that are rusted and buzzing. 10k volt power lines. Distance from any outdoor high powered lighting such as a car dealership or flower house for indoor grow lights. I spent a week walking my neighborhood before I moved in with a portable radio on AM looking for anything squirrelly. I look for erosion in the soil and dead trees on the downward slopes. Grounded receptacles are a MUST. I request a sellers disclosure agreement before anything. Some things to consider are making your tower tilt. Will there be a tree in the way. Will it tilt over the sidewalk. At 30ft you need to look for guy wire paths. Are they possible. I research my soon to be neighbors. Do they have a criminal history in sex offense. Are they picking up the junk that blows in after a strong southwest wind. There are many variables that come into play and you hit on all of them, Jim. The best places to live here in Ky are rural areas but no internet. Star link is still in a holding phase.
You make the best videos my friend. I hope you get things straightened out with your care providers. Get aggressive. I did when caring for my father. Find happiness when you are able. 73 Jim and hpe to chat soon.
The first thing I did is visit the local building dept. and asked about their regulations for ham radio towers. They replied...what's a ham radio? hihi.
They sent me to the planning dept. who explained antennas should not extend much above the tree canopies. Since the trees top out at 110' I was okay with that. I asked who do I contact to confirm the height, after installation? Well since the building dept. doesn't issue permits for ham radio towers they are relying on the honor system. I messaged the seller, SOLD!!
I've got a few hundred acres to work with, with very high conductivity soil, nearest neighbor is over a half mile away. I'm in prime radio country, and I can tell it in performance. Low noise, and with enough room for 62 foot ground radials for my Hustler 6, more often than not I'm crushing my way on top of pile ups, even with just a vertical, and working weak signal with ease.
I hear all the time from people on HF about the woes they have in moving, where they live, and how they can't put up antennas, or make terrible compromises, and endless other problems with urban or suburban noise and trouble. I feel bad for them, and wonder about how this will all affect the future of HF in the coming years.
The whole modern American idea of "success" being a transient white collar professional hunting down whatever job pays best never appealed to me for a second. Everything in life, from changes, to life in general, and now even my hobbies, means I benefit greatly from never having signed up for the "modern ideal".
Your definition of "American success" varies greatly from most of my friends here in America want or desire. Many, like you, have a distorted view of Americans based on movies, actors, notables, politicians, news people and other manifestations. At 73 years old, I think I have a better idea of what most of us want than what you might see or perceive from outside the U.S. Give it a rest my friend. 73, Jim W6LG
Hi, Jim. Great information on location and ham radio. I had not thought of some things you mentioned and I hope I never have to move from my large acreage! Alan KZ6B
It was nice to actually hear you on the air last night on 20. Hope that your motor is an easy fix. 73 KI1K
If you hear me, please so hello anytime. Thanks John. 73, Jim W6LG
thanks
You are welcome! 73, Jim
Hi Jim, great info mate. All the best from VK.
Need one of these talks about buying cars that are going to be used for mobile HF use. Too many noisy cars these days.
I have a very difficult time getting away from neighborhood noise these days anywhere in the city (cities).
Bring a small hf radio (sdr dongle) in your car and check current qrm at the interested location
Yes. And a hamstick type antenna can be very good for that purpose. Thanks AJ! 73, Jim
Hi Jim! Great chat the other day on 20 meters!
Ryan VE6HF
Excellent points! I am also a long time licensed appraiser and broker but only a 7-year old ham. Do not trust the agent...very true - need to do your due diligence or hire a trusted person to help you out. Only true interest the agent has is in their commission. We are in HOA hades for now, but sure will use a list once we can be released from our confinement here in CA. Mostly operating portable, enjoying SOTA/POTA - do what you can with what you have.
I agree completely. It is better for the potential buyer to go the Assessor's Office, Planning Department, Health Department, Building Department and any place where there are records and get copies. If the potential buyer does not understand the jargon and meaning, he or she needs to hire a professional. And, that would not be the Home Inspector guy. Often the secrets about a house and the land is hidden in the Assessor's records and notes. I know that because the is exactly what I did for a living in LA and Nevada County. Thanks. 73, Jim
Homeowners’ association is an absolute deal-breaker for me.
An HOA is always a problem.
There are exceptions. Mine is one of them, so far. But that can change. 73, Jim
Great video de W2CSI
Thanks! I appreciate it. The next one should be interesting too. I am working on tha now and I think it will cause some head scratching about why. 73, Jim
#1 - NO HOA
#2 - Plenty of space
Absolutely Mike. Using bullet points as you did get the 'point' across to all. Thanks! Jim
You live in a very nice place. Very enjoyable seeing the are via your antenna. Be Safe Happy and have Peace. 57 years a Ham Where are the friendly areas in Arizona for Hams? I have not heard of any.
Good segment, Jim!
I'd add walk around with a handheld am radio. Will help find stray rf. Take a look around for solar panels. The controllers can put off rf. Especially, the older systems. Here in southern Arizona, I've had my share of fun with solar panel problems.
Yes, they are a pain in the butt. 73, Jim
Do you know how i could get someone to come out to my residence and scan for all the different types of RF ? I think i have higher than normal emf readings but i really do not know anything about it.
That is very unlikely. You can buy an EMF measuring device. 73, Jim
Great Video Jim.... One important point... Is there Internet and or cell service in the area, and if not what are the future plans for internet in that area. You did mention this at the very end but many rural locals which check off a few boxes (space, neighbors, RF quiet, etc. may be totally devoid of internet access which can be problematic with logging lookups, spotters, etc)... in my area running a 30A 220V circuit into my radio room (for an amplifier) did cost me about $1K in labor and materials and quite a bit of my own labor to patch plaster and wallboard and painting after the electrician was done with his work. But where there is a will, there is a way. 73 Art W1SWL
OM! That is a very high labor cost for what is really a simple addition. I am sure you know that too now. In the long term, that electrical change will be very valuable to you as you add equipment. You and I need lots of electrical outlets that are properly wired. Okay, see you on 20 meter SSB sometime soon. 73, Jim
Excellent video Jim. Very informative. Have a great day. N9NVU
Thanks 👍 73, Jim
Keep the videos coming.
Hey Tim! We will talk soon. I have been really busy with Kaiser and my complaints about the lack of good care. I think someone is now listening. What they do is yet to be seen. 73, Jim
Great video and good ideas!
1) Lots of land around the house for antennas. 2) NO HV power lines nearby.
Yes yes yes yes Thanks, Jim
Flashing beacons for red lights and school zones create havoc along with power substations. I've talked to the owners of the flashing beacons and they say that the equipment is installed to code.
Is there any reason to be concerned about a metal roof or siding?
Other than rust, the potential for leaks, nails popping up, the gasket around nails cracking because of sunlight and heat, noise when it rains, popping sounds from movement due to heat and I can't think of anything else. If possible, would not buy a house with all metal siding and roofing. 73, Jim W6LG
Thanks for the quick reply. I am considering moving my shack from an upstairs bedroom in the house to my insulated 30x50 metal barn, but was just wondering if I might run into performance issues for some reason related to the all metal structure. I live on a couple of acres and want to put up a tower, but trying to decide house or barn? BTW, the barn was built in the '90s and has never had a new roof and has never leaked. 73, N9LEE
I can't think of anything else that you didn't already touch on ... Great idea for a video though, listening to it enroute to Dayton to pick up the drake's we spoke of a short time back...73
WD8JM
Good information Jim,nice work.Ai6lz
Thanks 👍 Bert, 73, Jim
Hi Jim,
Height of an antenna above the ground below it has real impact on the angle of departure.
Height of an antenna above sea level???? How is living at 8000 feet any better at 200 feet?
73,
Bob - W6OPO
A friend here in SA set up a temporary ham station at a property he was considering buying to check for local noise.
Is the camera mounted permanently on your tower? What is the setup? Wired? Wireless? Etc.
I had a friend toss a rope over the boom. I pulled a 360Max camera up to the boom and rotated the antenna. It was just temporary. The neighbors would not be happy with a camera up there. I keep the tower nested most of the time using a motorized winch with a PWM device from a switch mode power supply. Thanks John & 73, Jim
She who must be obeyed desires to move from the Seattle area to Florida and do it soon.Hate to go but, sniff sniff. Thank you so much for this video, it will be of great help. 73 de AA7MO
I fall into some weird UA-cam niches sometimes. I dont know how I got to UA-cam Ham radio, but I guess this is it.
Another educating video as always. Sir, I am new in the hobby, do you have an email address where I can ask questions regarding home brewed antennas? I sure would appreciate it.
It is best if you post the question so others can see the potential answer. I may not know the correct answer but I will do my best. 73, Jim
Canada Rules
Tower and antenna no more than 15 mts tall no problem at all,
if you want a taller antenna tower you need to hire profesional tower installation , plus antenna tower will pay tax fee every year.
The tower must be 5 mts away from neighbours fences.
The rotation radius of antenna shouldn’t invade neighbours air space
Thanks Jim, very interesting topic. Wil K7EMU
What to look for? Have the affluence of prior generations. 😅
I am not sure what you mean Dave. 73, Jim
Great video same here UK Antenna Haters visual impact planning permission jobsworth
Indeed it does. 73, Jim
I think ypu need to ekabirate on the RF ground statement before I chome in on that.. but Initially I have to totally disagree...
Definitely the happier hams do live in a rural areas
" 5-10% grade"...." soil conductivity..."
100% MYTH.
I live in a hole. Its called "a Holler" here.
Im at 840 MSL and hills and mountains all around.
I have to look " up" all around at least 20 degrees to see horizon.
Our soil is almost all clay.
I work EU, Africa and S America regularly with ONE TO TEN WATT.S and a DIPOLE.
My 20 dp is up at 17 feet.
This is all myth to compensate for miserable compromise antennas like Yagis, which I regularly stomp all over with a fraction of the TX power.
I REGULARLY " shut down" ( in CB parlance) ops with Yagis and hex beams and amplifiers.
Embarass them.
I run 10kw and a rubber duck antenna.
I will politely disagree since I have moved several times and found it to be true. That lower lobe gets reflected. Thanks for helping. 73, Jim
Thank you Jim for everything you do to promote Ham Radio. Best, Dave K7CI
That's very kind Dave. 73, Jim W6LG
Wondering what camera you are using? Would like to install one up on my 70 ft tower as well. Thanks for your willingness to share and help out....
It was the 360 degree camera hanging from a rope and I used a stabilization program to help smooth it out. Mike 73, Jim W6LG
Since I was impressed with your camera's clarity, resolution etc., could you give me a little direction as to type of camera your used.
Was consider using a wired unit for SKYWARN weather spotting, one that was going to break rhe bank, so not know more, was trying to get something that performed as well as yours.
Thks, your a blessing to the radio community .
hii jim
Jim, are you wearing lipstick?
Thanks Jim