Need an antenna but i have limited space

[andrew270681]

Hi,
Im new to the forum and new to radio.

Im starting out with a basic uhf radio setup at my apartment (condo) which means i have very limited space to mount an antenna.

I own a GME TX 4400 UHF radio and i also have access to a 200w linear amp. I was after a 12 or so DB antenna.
from the floor of my balcony to the roof of my balcony i have 2.5meters. I can mount it on a verticle metal rail. Im surrounded by 4 walls (other apartments are all around me) Mounting it on the roof of my complex is not an option. I am only able mount on my balcony. At the moment im using a 7.5 db antenna but i want to increase my range a little more based on my circumstances.

Im new to all this so any help is appreciated.

Cheers!

[5B4AJB]

12dB is quite a bit for a vertical, a Yagi (beam) would fit (in that space) but you'd be limited to one direction - still, better than nothing I suppose.
Bear in mind, with antennas, you need a certain amount of space around it for efficiency - there's not much point mounting a monster beam if most of it's gain is reduced by a irregular radiation pattern.

A 3 or 4 element beam would be a better bet, they have a wider pattern and would "see" more horizon.

70cm verticals are quite small, but one half of your gain would be shielded by the building again.

Many people use a stand-off to mount verticals on balconies, if you think you can get away with one, try it!
(basically a horizontal mast, taking the antenna away from the building)...

[Saratoga]

I have a similar problem here. I shall probably mount a vertical antenna on the balcony rail for my 2m/70cm stuff. I've not got a rig capable of HF just yet :o I've not yet chosen which antenna I need but I am being prodded in a particular direction for the APRS Digipeter that will be sited here :o

Good luck

[andrew270681]

12dB is quite a bit for a vertical, a Yagi (beam) would fit (in that space) but you'd be limited to one direction - still, better than nothing I suppose.
Bear in mind, with antennas, you need a certain amount of space around it for efficiency - there's not much point mounting a monster beam if most of it's gain is reduced by a irregular radiation pattern.

A 3 or 4 element beam would be a better bet, they have a wider pattern and would "see" more horizon.

70cm verticals are quite small, but one half of your gain would be shielded by the building again.

Many people use a stand-off to mount verticals on balconies, if you think you can get away with one, try it!
(basically a horizontal mast, taking the antenna away from the building)...

I have thought of a yagi antenna but the problem is that the direction that i need to point it in would mean that its facing a brick wall (of my building) and having a mount on my balcony would last about 5 mins as my building manager is always walking around and we have strict policies on what we can and cant do!!.

I might do some research on a yagi. I was hoping that i could get a 12db antenna custom made to suit my needs because pointing a yagi beam directly at a brick wall would mean the signal needs to transmit through about 25 meters of brick walls etc.