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Author Topic: Options for mounting a small 2 meter Yagi  (Read 531 times)

KK4GMU

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Options for mounting a small 2 meter Yagi
« on: July 24, 2022, 08:41:13 AM »

On one repeater frequency at my QTH, the noise over-rides the signal.  All other repeaters, even further away are fine.  It was suggested that my QTH is in a null of its transmission pattern.  The repeater "hears" me perfectly.  That repeater is important because it is my organization's net check in repeater.

I'm currently using an omni-directional vertical for 2 meters/70cm.  It has been suggested by several folks here and elsewhere that I try a small 2 meter yagi and test the limits of my HOA. :-X

If I go that route, here are options:

1)  Keep my vertical, plus install the yagi below it, run a SEPARATE cable to the shack and switch between the two in the shack.  The yagi would remain stationary pointed at that useless SOB repeater.

OR

2) Eliminate my vertical, and install the yagi with a rotor.

3) Something I haven't thought of.

Your thoughts.
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WA3SKN

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Re: Options for mounting a small 2 meter Yagi
« Reply #1 on: July 24, 2022, 08:50:27 AM »

I would go with #1.
Is this an indoor or outdoor installation?  Would the HOA approve the installation? Rotating could improve the noise issues.

-Mike.
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K1VSK

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Re: Options for mounting a small 2 meter Yagi
« Reply #2 on: July 24, 2022, 09:03:15 AM »

Seems like a lot of extra work just to “test the limits” of the rules.

Did you ask or seek a waiver?
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AI5BC

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Re: Options for mounting a small 2 meter Yagi
« Reply #3 on: July 24, 2022, 09:12:38 AM »

The repeater "hears" me perfectly.  Your thoughts.

I would suggest you get your receiver fixed or another radio. If the repeater can hear you OK, there is nothing wrong with the transmission path.
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K7JQ

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Re: Options for mounting a small 2 meter Yagi
« Reply #4 on: July 24, 2022, 09:20:50 AM »

A 2M yagi is actually smaller than a TV yagi antenna. You might be able to claim it as such under the OTARD rule. That is, if the HOA even says anything about it in the first place.
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KK4GMU

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Re: Options for mounting a small 2 meter Yagi
« Reply #5 on: July 24, 2022, 09:45:40 AM »

The repeater "hears" me perfectly.  Your thoughts.
Quote
I would suggest you get your receiver fixed or another radio. If the repeater can hear you OK, there is nothing wrong with the transmission path.

I wouldn't suggest that at all.  The repeater transmission lobes are not the same as my transmission lobes.   Every other repeater in the region comes in crystal clear.
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KK4GMU

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Re: Options for mounting a small 2 meter Yagi
« Reply #6 on: July 24, 2022, 09:51:59 AM »

Seems like a lot of extra work just to “test the limits” of the rules.

Did you ask or seek a waiver?
Lighten up.  Just joking.  That is not the purpose of the yagi.  Getting a marginally larger piece of metal (something that looks like a mini tv antenna) in my back yard is hardly a noticeable test. Are you on an HOA board?
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KK4GMU

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Re: Options for mounting a small 2 meter Yagi
« Reply #7 on: July 24, 2022, 09:59:00 AM »

A 2M yagi is actually smaller than a TV yagi antenna. You might be able to claim it as such under the OTARD rule. That is, if the HOA even says anything about it in the first place.
Great observation and advice.  Our HOA, like most, works on a complaint basis. As long as whatever you put up is not objectionable and you stay on the good side of your neighbors, you're good to go. Too often in many HOAs if an application is made, like for a flagpole, they require a $$$ engineer wind load/study/report and get all weired on the applicant.  My pole/antenna is portable.  It can be mounted and dismounted in 30 seconds, which is one criteria for it being allowed.
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AI5BC

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Re: Options for mounting a small 2 meter Yagi
« Reply #8 on: July 24, 2022, 10:19:47 AM »


I wouldn't suggest that at all.  The repeater transmission lobes are not the same as my transmission lobes. 
The lobes are just fine, otherwise neither of you could hear anything. If you are setting across the table from me, I can hear you just fine, you cannot hear me means you need to get your hearing checked out. The transmission paths are equal in both directions. Unless you are using a something like a legal limit amplifier with 10 to 16 dB of gain over the repeater power. Then you have a typical ham crocodile site, all mouth and no ears. Use balanced transmission power, if it can hear you, you can hear it.
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KK4GMU

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Re: Options for mounting a small 2 meter Yagi
« Reply #9 on: July 24, 2022, 10:39:02 AM »


I wouldn't suggest that at all.  The repeater transmission lobes are not the same as my transmission lobes. 
The lobes are just fine, otherwise neither of you could hear anything. If you are setting across the table from me, I can hear you just fine, you cannot hear me means you need to get your hearing checked out. The transmission paths are equal in both directions. Unless you are using a something like a legal limit amplifier with 10 to 16 dB of gain over the repeater power. Then you have a typical ham crocodile site, all mouth and no ears. Use balanced transmission power, if it can hear you, you can hear it.
?????

If I put a sound deadener in the middle of the table between me and you that attenuates the frequencies that you are speaking but not the frequencies I am speaking, that is the situation I am possibly encountering with the repeater.

And we're both transmitting and receiving on different frequencies.
« Last Edit: July 24, 2022, 10:56:52 AM by KK4GMU »
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K1VSK

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Re: Options for mounting a small 2 meter Yagi
« Reply #10 on: July 24, 2022, 10:45:46 AM »

Seems like a lot of extra work just to “test the limits” of the rules.

Did you ask or seek a waiver?
Lighten up.  Just joking.  That is not the purpose of the yagi.  Getting a marginally larger piece of metal (something that looks like a mini tv antenna) in my back yard is hardly a noticeable test. Are you on an HOA board?

Let’s review - you are the one who suggested “testing the limits” to which I asked if you have asked. No need to shoot the messenger for asking a logical question.

The TV antenna clone rational might work where they allow real TV antennas but I infer that’s not the case here. Correct?

And no, I’m not on an HOA Board although I did work with mine to develop a rule which allows ham antennas. That did require some effort but it benefited not only me but other hams in my community. Ever consider doing similarly?
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KK4GMU

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Re: Options for mounting a small 2 meter Yagi
« Reply #11 on: July 24, 2022, 10:59:26 AM »

Seems like a lot of extra work just to “test the limits” of the rules.

Did you ask or seek a waiver?
Lighten up.  Just joking.  That is not the purpose of the yagi.  Getting a marginally larger piece of metal (something that looks like a mini tv antenna) in my back yard is hardly a noticeable test. Are you on an HOA board?

Let’s review - you are the one who suggested “testing the limits” to which I asked if you have asked. No need to shoot the messenger for asking a logical question.

The TV antenna clone rational might work where they allow real TV antennas but I infer that’s not the case here. Correct?

And no, I’m not on an HOA Board although I did work with mine to develop a rule which allows ham antennas. That did require some effort but it benefited not only me but other hams in my community. Ever consider doing similarly?
I had no intention of shooting the messenger.  I'm learning its unwise to attempt to inject a (very) little humor into posts on a forum that may be taken the wrong way.  I need more emoticons. ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
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K1KIM

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Re: Options for mounting a small 2 meter Yagi
« Reply #12 on: July 24, 2022, 11:47:06 AM »

Unless you want to monitor different located repeaters concurrently on different radios or dual receiver radios, I would suggest a 3-4 element Yagi in your attic if you have access and it is feasible. It will give you far more gain than the omni-directional antenna you have now I would think. And in the direction you want it.

Usually if they can hear me I can hear them. But I guess there are some odd situations.

The rotator needed is inexpensive since there will be no wind load etc.

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KK4GMU

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Re: Options for mounting a small 2 meter Yagi
« Reply #13 on: July 24, 2022, 12:01:31 PM »

Unless you want to monitor different located repeaters concurrently on different radios or dual receiver radios, I would suggest a 3-4 element Yagi in your attic if you have access and it is feasible. It will give you far more gain than the omni-directional antenna you have now I would think. And in the direction you want it.

Usually if they can hear me I can hear them. But I guess there are some odd situations.

The rotator needed is inexpensive since there will be no wind load etc.
No attic access.
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KK4GMU

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Re: Options for mounting a small 2 meter Yagi
« Reply #14 on: July 24, 2022, 12:31:00 PM »

This 3 element yagi - 43" boom:  https://www.dxengineering.com/parts/hgn-vb23fm

I wonder if this would help bring in my signal enough better than my existing vertical to make the cost and effort worthwhile.  I would paint it in non-metallic shingle color to stealth it as much as possible.

If there are smaller 2 meter yagis that would be at least as effective as this, please advise.
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