Hiding an antenna in an HOA?

[ColoradoF350]

I have a mobile rig but want to setup a base station in my home. Problem is, I live in typical suburban USA (just outside Denver, CO) with an HOA (Home Owner's Association) in my community. Not sure if these exist internationally, but an HOA essentially mandates additional rules and restrictions for what you can (and can't) do on your property. If you don't follow the rules they can fine you, $25/day in my case, and potentially foreclose on your house if you don't pay the fines. Don't get me started on living in an HOA controlled community, but it's hard in my state to live in an area without one.....they are everywhere. HOA's are a whole other topic.....

I read my "rules" tonight and Ham antennas are strictly prohibited and not protected by the FCC like a satellite dish. A ham friend of mine suggested trying to hide an antenna in a flag pole or some other disguised way. Has anybody else done something like this to evade the "HOA police"? would be interested in hearing any suggestions or stories you may have.

[_2E0OZI]

Hi there,

in the book "Stealth Antennas" by G0KYA Steve Nicholls he has quite a few examples of US HOA restricted hams who have got on the air with good results. If you know CW you can do very well as its a very effective mode comparaed to SSB.

Some of the ones in the book (which I have in front of me) are;

1. Flagpole antennas - you guys love flags and an aluminium pole of the right hight could be a 1/4 wave vertical for 10 to 20m.

2. Magnetic loops inside your loft space - do you have a loft? If you have a loft in either the main house or the garage thats great!

3. Various dipoles and loops in the loft space.

4. Metal rain gutters? They can be loaded up with a bit of thought.

I would usually say some sort of big loop tacked around the gutters of the house but if the HOA people see it.

It would be worthwhile to get the book (the ARRL has a similar title as well but not so "stealthy" in its approach) and just really check out the and investigate all the possibilities.

all the best

Scott

[M0WAO]

i found this what may can be a solution in your situation?

[_2E0OZI]

Biton I have heard about these HOAs and any wire visible outside and our friend could be in trouble.

[W0BG]

How much attic space do you have? My attic is a good 10 meters above ground. I'm using a 20 meter doublet which gives me coverage on all bands 10 through 20 meters. In the first two weeks alone of having the antenna up I was able to work 60 countries quite easily. I feed it with 450 ohm ladder line and have it hooked to a tuner via a 4:1 balun.

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