Obviously done as satire, and sort of funny at that.

Brian,

I have both in my attic.  Started with the G5RV, then added the DX-EE later.  Both are situated in the same direction (NE to SW), about 8 feet apart, and at the same height.  Never looked back once the DX-EE was in place.  Of course that's just my personal experience, and not scientific, but in my attic situation, the DX-EE shines.

Just a thought... if you are allowed a dish antenna, might you be able to use a MFJ-1788 Hi-Q loop on your roof?  It looks close enough in shape and dimension (in my opinion) to possibly get away with one without raising any red flags, especially if they are not all that picky where you live.

I personally have a dedicated HF / 6M for everyday use (in my case an IC-7800, but whatever you personally prefer), and have a TS-2000 for my VHF / UHF use.   This way, the TS-2000  acts as a nice backup HF rig as well.  If your budget permits, I find having separate radios with my combination to be a good setup.

If you can only purchase a single radio, I'd suggest the TS-2000 as a stand alone.  Although not the most recent design, you still get a good bang for the buck with it.

Dick,

You are fortunate to have several experienced and respected antenna experts giving you suggestions here.  Let me point out that I certainly don't fall in that elite category.  That said, I still am sticking with my suggestion of the Alpha DX-EE route based solely upon my experience with one in my similar attic setup as yours.  You actually have a bit of a better setup from mine, however, as it appears that your attic is at least three floors up, and you have room for the antenna without any bends if you run yours diagonally.  I have a small bend in my setup.  I've tried about a dozen different antennas in my attic, and this one continues to be the best that I have used.  Once again though, just one man's opinion, and everyone's mileage may vary. 

Although eHam reviews are always subjective at best, I am sure you have had the opportunity to read the reviews of the DX-EE, including mine.  At the time I wrote my review, as I recall, roughly half of those reviews for the antenna were from people using them in attics.  Most of those attic users were running 100 watts, as I do.

I tried a PAR 40M antenna in my attic, but didn't have as much luck with it up there.  It is an excellently built antenna though, and I still use it as a field day antenna.  I probably have more structural junk up in my attic than you, though, so take that into account.

I know I threw this antenna choice out of left field for you, and sorry if it added undue confusion.  It's just that, when I read the description of the area you had to work with and the concerns regarding being stealthy, I wanted to pass along my solution to a similar situation that I find works very well for me.

I know there are probably lest costly ways to go, but I felt I got my money's worth from this one. 

Good luck with whatever route you choose, and remember, experimentation is the beauty of this hobby!

73, Jim

Regarding potential RFI issues with the Alpha Delta DX-EE in an attic, I guess everyone's mileage will vary.  I routinely run 100 watts without issues in my attic setup with mine here.  It has been a great compromise antenna for me.

If I had a 25 x 35 foot attic to work with, didn't want to attract attention, and wanted coverage on the bands you're interested in, I'd seriously consider an Alpha Delta DX-EE placed diagonally across the attic.  It's 40 feet long and will cover what you're asking for.  I use one here in my attic, and it amazes me as to how well it works in my compromised situation.  Just my 2 cents...

Dealt twice in the past with this seller on eBay.  Displeased with the purchases both times, as I felt they were misrepresented, and one item didn't match the listing photos when it arrived.  A search at the time revealed that the photos were from the listing of a similar item he sold a few weeks prior.  I will avoid this seller in the future.

Sorry, but while I don't claim to be an antenna expert, I have to agree with George on this one. 

I have one and it works well for what it is.  No, it isn't the world's most efficient vertical, but given it's build strength and ease of installation, I feel you certainly could do much worse.  It isn't a beam after all, and I doubt anyone purchasing one doesn't realize that it has some limitations regarding loss.  Mine replaced a 4BTV that was in the same location, and I'm very satisfied with the results.

Even though there are more efficient verticals out there, I am very pleased with mine, and would purchase another should something happen to it.

My two cents, I would consider an Alpha Delta DX-EE for your attic.  I had a similar situation as you have at my last home, and found this worked much better for me than the G5RV Jr. that I initially attempted to use.

Gentlemen, Thank you for taking the time to answer my question.  Your information is very helpful.  You guys represent the best of amateur radio for taking the time to help those of us with such issues.  73,  Jim

I often hear that older gear that has not been powered up for years should be brought up on a Variac.  For example, I have an old Hallicrafters SX-28 that hasn't been powered up for at least 10 years.  My questions are:  1.  What is the procedure for properly doing this?  2.  Are there certain voltage increments and duration times for this procedure to use as a rule of thumb?  3.  Should the receiver be turned on at these  lower incremental steps, or left off?  Thanks, Jim