Isotron HF antenna experience?

I’m in an antenna restricted community.  Low mounted terminated folded dipole -barely visible over 6 foot fence—is very disappointing. A two band isotron antenna would fit within the association rules. (Hamstick dipole is not within rules).) Anybody used one of these? Successfully? Worthwhile compromise? Junk? This would be an 80/40, retuned for CAP, mounted at about 30 feet.

The reviews on eHam are mixed, folks either love 'em or hate 'em. Kinda pricey, too.

Do you have any other options? My 80 meter Inverted L is invisible from the street; 18 gauge black wire with buried coax.

A mag loop (STL) might work, and you could build your own. Check some of the discussion forums on QRZ.com for ideas. Some of those guys are pretty clever.

BTW, a T2FD is just one step up from a dummy load. No surprise that performance would be disappointing.

I'm not sure this forum is a great place to get engineering information 


On the NHQ comm staff, we have some very talented engineering folk that can give you a lot of data on the Isotron and also work with you on developing a possible solution for a small lot.  You can email them direct at DOKE and they will give you some good information and even help you design an antenna for a small lot.  If you want information on the T2FD (or the CAP's current variant) contact DOKO and Chuck can help you with information on the correct way to put up this antenna.  He uses one daily for the national nets and he has a great signal.


You can always reach out to DOK and get help as well.  We can put you in contact with your wing or region communications people.


Welcome to CAP ... it's rewarding or frustrating depending on the day of the week or the hour of the day.


BTW all the office symbols for comm folk (above) are at the gov domain at capnhq.


Jerry

EMT-83- thanks for input. I’ll dig on the mag loop design to see if I can fit it into the size limit I agreed to in my HOA rules. At the time, I really hadn’t figured I’d be pursuing CAP HF again and could get by with vhf J-pole in attic.

Col. Wellman- thanks for the lead-I will follow up. Since I’m not using USAF funded equipment (haven’t since I built my Knight-kit on 26.62 as a cadet before I could drive), I really hadn’t expected national headquarters assistance-NEAT!

Good luck with your projects! Playing with antennas is a favorite pastime of mine, drives the wife a little crazy though.

BTW, there are a lot better choices out there than a J-pole: less than unity gain and plagued with CMC issues.