Cheap antenna

[Master Virus]

I'm thinking of buying a cheap outdoor antenna but whats a cheap but good one?
It's going to go on the washing pole on a short pole in between houses so could you recommend something?
Not going to be high so 1/2 wav or 5/8 cheap thing and i will wait to see if i get any complaints and see what they say if i get any?
Thanks

[108EH002]

Don't know if there is such a thing as a new/good cheap antenna M.V.

Maybe something like a cheap aluminium Sigma 5/8th wave will be suitable.

But you could always buy yourself a better second-hand 5/8th wave antenna,something like an aluminium Sirio or a fibreglass Imax 2000 homebase antenna,as they should still be pretty straight after high wind speeds,unlike a cheap silver rod clone.

Cheap aluminium tends to bend far easier,and your cheap antenna might resemble a banana after the first decent storm that brings in strong gusty winds,but it will still work.

[Master Virus]

Don't know if there is such a thing as a new/good cheap antenna M.V.

Maybe something like a cheap aluminium Sigma 5/8th wave will be suitable.

But you could always buy yourself a better second-hand 5/8th wave antenna,something like an aluminium Sirio or a fibreglass Imax 2000 homebase antenna,as they should still be pretty straight after high wind speeds,unlike a cheap silver rod clone.

Cheap aluminium tends to bend far easier,and your cheap antenna might resemble a banana after the first decent storm that brings in strong gusty winds,but it will still work.

I understand what your saying and i appreciate your advice.
What's a good antenna that has good receive and transmit and is tried and tested?
Thanks

[Nitehawk]

IMAX 2000/ max 2000---- Sirio 827, Sirio 2016, Sirio gpe 1/2 wave, Sirio goes 5/8 wave, these are all good tried and tested antennas.

[Master Virus]

IMAX 2000/ max 2000---- Sirio 827, Sirio 2016, Sirio gpe 1/2 wave, Sirio goes 5/8 wave, these are all good tried and tested antennas.

Am i better off getting a 1/2 or 5/8 ??? as i'm surrounded by houses and the antenna will be on short six foot post attached to the washing line post.
Looks like i've got some reading to do with all these antennas.
Thanks Nitehawk

[108EH002]

If it were me,I would go for a 5/8th wave homebase antenna,as the 2 -3 ft longer is 2 -3 ft higher,and it will give you a little more gain on tx/rx,when compared to a halfwave antenna.

You will get plenty reviews on here,or visit a site like e.ham.net,just put e.ham review after the name of the antenna,most will be using the stated antenna on 12 and 10m,but it will tune no problem on CB aswell

[Master Virus]

If it were me,I would go for a 5/8th wave homebase antenna,as the 2 -3 ft longer is 2 -3 ft higher,and it will give you a little more gain on tx/rx,when compared to a halfwave antenna.

You will get plenty reviews on here,or visit a site like e.ham.net,just put e.ham review after the name of the antenna,most will be using the stated antenna on 12 and 10m,but it will tune no problem on CB aswell

That's good because my radio has 10 11 12 metres.
Going back to the late 70's early 80's i had a Tristar 747 and it just had a channel metre so this frequency counter is all knew to me, i just used low medium and high and used the channel selector.
Now i have a frequency chart that shows me all the super super low to super super high, but i need to find out what frequencies i'm allowed to transmit on because its all changed since i was last on.
We have uk 80 channels eu channels etc, the radio hams hams have it really hard, i think i have it bad with a few
I will go for a 5/8 antenna and follow your advice, thank you so much 108EH002 really appreciate it.

[108EH002]

The legal 80 channels are EU band = 26.965 - 27.405,

The UK40 is 27.601.25 - 27.991.25.

As long as you stay between 26.965 - 27.991.25,you will be fine

[Master Virus]

The legal 80 channels are EU band = 26.965 - 27.405,

The UK40 is 27.601.25 - 27.991.25.

As long as you stay between 26.965 - 27.991.25,you will be fine

Thanks for taking the time to post the frequencies.
I don't want to come back on and start on the wrong foot. I have lots of respect for radio hams.
Thanks again.

[The Collector]

Remember though, you can only use AM/FM/SSB on the euro/mid block though not on the FM-only uk40...

... and of course, only on type-approved radios... yeah, right.

[108EH002]

Remember though, you can only use AM/FM/SSB on the euro/mid block though not on the FM-only uk40...

... and of course, only on type-approved radios... yeah, right.

You missed out OVERPRICED between on and type above

[Werthers]

The legal 80 channels are EU band = 26.965 - 27.405,

The UK40 is 27.601.25 - 27.991.25.

As long as you stay between 26.965 - 27.991.25,you will be fine

Thanks for taking the time to post the frequencies.
I don't want to come back on and start on the wrong foot. I have lots of respect for radio hams.
Thanks again.

I've always found that 2 tank whips work in a dipole configuration. Its cheap and a effective way of getting on the air.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1-4-Wave9-Fo ... XQHO9Rc25V

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/3-8-to-3-8-D ... SwCGVX5Ska

Coax
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/RG213-16FT-5 ... 6897f85939
They sell longer lengths if needed.

[108EH002]

2 x 1/4 wave whips and a centre connector to make a dipole = about £40.

I would rather just buy a decent second-hand homebase antenna,something like an Imax or an aluminium Sirio that's a 5/8th wave.

There was a 3 month old Sirio 2016 on the UK tree of gum the other week for £60.

[Master Virus]

Thanks everyone for posting, i will have a look :-)

[Zero58]

I've been into 10/11/12,Pirate Radio for over 40 years and have heard a lot of things about all type antennas. IMO..Buy the Best Antenna You Can Afford! Aluminum not Fiberglass..it will cut down your RF..and then save up for a good Driver!