1. An antenna and a child view
Probably antennas with electrically excellent performances could be conceived of as many as we like. However, it is a completely diffrent story to realize it mechanically, and especially in residential areas. I remember many occasions that after raising newly built antennas in position, I hastily lowered them in fear of their possible consequences at unfortunate times, spring winds, summer thunders, autumn typhoons, winter wet snow, etc.

Most dictating of all is the antenna appearance itself to others. XYL's eyes!! Those of neighborhoods. We can't continue ham operation unless we keep moderation.


The photo is a close-up of a picuture print of more than 30 years ago when I began ham operations at a different QTH.

The antenna was for 7 MHz, 2-m wire along an upper part of 5-m bamboo pole, aluminum pipes on it, with a loading coil and radial hat on top. The element total length was about 5 m. A 10-m wire radial was put along the roof end of one-story house. The top height was only about 8 m above ground, and I had thought it a moderate antenna.

One day I was told that a kindergarden boy of my neighbohood was scared with my antenna. According to his mother, for him, the top portion looked as a giant spider swinging in the air!! He wa so terrified that he shuned near my place and always made detours.

It is fortunate to hear such a frank notice. There must be many who look at antennas with suspicious eyes. Thereafter, I have tried to use low-profile antennas as much as possible, and also devised a low visibility by applying paints to the elements.