Hi Everyone;
I have spent the winter antenna browsing and I know less now than I did 
before.  At any rate,  I was initially looking for an hf vertical covering 
at least 40 through 10 (75 would be nice) that was a vertical dipole and 
didn't therefore require radials.
I have eliminated the r8 (been through two al ready.  I also decided that 
because I had an amplifier that I was going to try and use I was going to 
stay away from the gap.  Took a look at force 12 and decided I wasn't going 
that route either.  Anyone know of any exciting options that are durable and 
really work?
The second option was to go with something ground mounted and bite the 
bullet and put down radials.  I wanted self supporting though.  My initial 
thought was the steppir but its rather tall and I suspect not really all 
that self supporting.  The price was as much as a ts480 which was also a 
consideration.
The other option is a "simple" g5rv but I need a 30 foot support for the 
center.  Unfortunately there isn't a convenient tree.
We have had lots of wind the last few years and I don't really really want 
to worry about the thing coming down in the neighbors lawn.  I think we had 
about three wind storms that might have killed my r8.
Its much cheaper to ask for suggestions prior to spending money.
Richard
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