Build a wire dipole or loop antenna and operate with the antenna LAYING FLAT ON THE GROUND.  Yes, it will work.  Not like a traditionally mounted dipole or vertical, but it will work.  
How many of us have had antennas (particularly dipoles) fall down or collapse in the middle of QSO, when a supporting rope broke (or worse) and still hold the contact?  I have.  And still held the QSO.
I didn't know the dipole fell until I went outside.
I recommend #26 wire in a black jacket.  It's flexible and hard to see.  Even in the air.
GL & 73
de K3ANG

"Maypole" antenna system build is found here:
http://westsat.org/
73

Some good idea here too.
http://www.rsars.org.uk/ELIBRARY/docsants.htm
Good luck

Thx Jon.
73
Greg de K3ANG

Alan.
Thanks for your reply.  I've been looking for a new antenna to play with and the Joystick looks pretty simple to build.  Going to give it a go soon.

In truth, my question was directed to M5AEO, but I'll file your answer away until I need to use it.

Cheers & 73
Greg de K3ANG

Greetings from the US.
What is the diameter of the plastic pipe?
Tnx in advance & 73
Greg

Join the Hex Beam Group on Yahoo! and learn a ton.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/hex-beam/?yguid=198574503

Congrats on the Tempo One.  Not the greatest of rigs from 30+ years ago, but I had lots of fun with mine.  The 6KD6 is a substitute for the 6JS6.  Both are old TV sweep/horizontal beam tubes.  Test them in a tube tester, IF you can find someone who has one, to see if they are still good.

I always had TVI problems with mine no matter what I did.  Fortunately for me, those problems were confined to my house, to the TV in the kitchen that only used the rabbit-ear antenna.

Good info here on them:
http://www.foxtango.org/ft250/foxtango%20FT200%20Information%20Page.html

And a group in Yahoo for it.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FT-200/

For Tube Substitution: http://www.nostalgiaair.org/tubes/

For some specs on the tubes themselves
http://www.scottbecker.net/tube/sheets/127/6/6JS6.pdf
http://www.scottbecker.net/tube/sheets/123/6/6KD6.pdf

RE:I am building a new home in a new subdivision. The XYL does not want an antenna outside

At the risk of sticking my nose where it doesn't need to go, I've got to say "It's YOUR house too."

Go with the Par end feds for the easy fix.
If you STILL feel the need for external antennas, check out the site below for ideas:
http://www.qsl.net/wb3gck/spout.htm
http://www.qsl.net/wm0g/ (look for the raingutter antenna)

73 es GL
de K3ANG

And the manual if you need it.
https://www.mfjenterprises.com/hygain/man/pdf/AV-640.pdf

Check here for a possible answer to your problem.
http://forums.qrz.com/showthread.php?t=184638

73

Yep! That's the one.
TU & 73
Greg

Greetings!
I remember a link (in eHam?) to a web page that offered a number of QRP/low power kits that had all the parts arrive in what looked to be a tuna tin.
The builder could use the tin as the chassis for the kit.
I'm not talking about the ARRL's famous Tuna Tin radio.
The site offered MANY kits that were shipped in what looked to be a tuna tin.
Any help?
Thanks in advance
Greg

Check out this site:
http://www.qsl.net/wb3gck/spout.htm

I don't know him, but the link sez he uses his home's downspouts and rain gutter for an external antenna.
If yours are not made of metal (aluminum), run a wire INSIDE them.  If yours are metal, use sheet metal screws to insure metal-to-metal contact.

Another idea would be to set an antenna out in the yard under cover of darkness, then retrieve it when you're off the air.

Good luck and 73
Greg, K3ANG

RFRY wrote: It is an EXCEL spreadsheet that I developed myself using the equations found in standard antenna engineering textbooks (Kraus, Laport etc).  
 

Hat's off to you, man!  I do EXCEL but for business applications only.  I have zero expertise in macros like that.  You should bottle it and sell it.

I do radio as a hobby.  I'm no engineer, tho I am (was?) able to pass the license exams and help my kids with their trig and algebra and some Boulean.

Thanks again for the 'antenna efficiency report.'

73
Greg,K3ANG