New gear

[nordhavn]

I'm half way through the foundation course and already booked the exam . I know what radio I'll be getting (991a) but I'm restricted with antenna choices . 31x31 ft garden and already the Mrs has been saying no horrible wires everywhere . I'm thinking I'll get away with a vertical maybe a "bantenna" is it worth attempting to get on 160m with 10w ? Any suggestions?
Regards

[ch25]

Get rid of her. Problem solved

Talking vertical, stay away from no radial verticals.
GP7DX would be my choice.

[26mb04]

You could make a 9m long washing line made with wire. A decent ATU will tune that on topband. It won't be very effective, but it will work.

[nordhavn]

You could make a 9m long washing line made with wire. A decent ATU will tune that on topband. It won't be very effective, but it will work.

What balun/transformer would I need ?

[26mb04]

You don't necessarily need a balun, I've never used one. I'd say you'd need an ATU designed for electrically short antennas (much shorter than the wavelength, as opposed to just slightly out), one with some actual inductors inside. Simple matching type devices are fine for mismatched antennas, but tuning a 9m long wire for a 160m long wavelength is more complicated than a few variable caps in a box. I've been using one of these Clansman ATUs, but they're not particularly cheap on ebay (probably because they're quite heavy).

If you do decide to get one of these ATUs, you might need to either get an adapter for the C connector or remove the C connector and fit something else in place. You don't need to do that if you only use the balanced/twisted pair connector at the rear.

[nordhavn]

Would something like the mfj 949e be suitable?

[ch25]

For random wire I suggest to get SG-230, CG-3000 or similar.
What radio are you using?

[nordhavn]

It will be a 991a .

[ch25]

CG-3000 at the antenna. A few ground radials for better performance too.

[nordhavn]

Thanks for that , I take it these are put outdoor and designed for marine .