Stealth Antenna for my Office - BBTD

[@SkruxLabs-vq4ho]

This is what I’m going to have to do and I’m glad you were able to get these surprising results!

[@AG6AG]

Glad to hear you liked it! Stu AG6AG

[@billryland6199]

The SWR is low because of the terminating resistor. This is just a large dummy load. Efficiency is also important.

[@AG6AG]

Hi Bill, This is true, but for some, this is the best solution to their antenna situation. For me, this was really the only viable choice. The fact that it works at all surprised me! Stu AG6AG

[@SkruxLabs-vq4ho]

BBTD antennas are not just dummy loads. They are used heavily in the military as NVIS antennas that can be used on a wide range of frequencies from 1.8-30MHz and they work very well for this purpose. Are they efficient compared to a single band resonant dipole? No. But do they work? Yes.

[@robertatpierpontbeach]

Stu, fascinating antenna design and implementation; are you concerned about exposure?

[@AG6AG]

Great Question! The calculator at ARRL shows that even at 100W on 6M the minimum controlled distance is 2 ft and minimum uncontrolled is 3 ft. We pretty much are within bounds with the position of things. Also, this will be rarely used for testing only. If you were doing this in an apartment you would probably want to think about your operating position and your shared walls. Stu AG6AG