How poorly would an attic mounted antenna perform? Obviously worse than something outside, I’m guessing, but how much worse?
My office has one of those “side attics.” It has a half sized door. Mounting a long antenna in there is very tempting because of how much easier it would be than doing anything outside. It’s on the second floor as well.
In my attic, I have an Open-Stub J Pole and a 20m dipole. They work pretty well! You’ll need to make sure that you don’t have a metal roof or any foil layers in the roofing or insulation. If you’re running a dipole, try to avoid electrical wires – if you can’t, have the dipole cross them at a 90º angle.
I was thinking about putting my 2m antenna in the attic, I didn’t think about metal though. I have asphalt shingles but I have solar panels basically covering the south face. I’m guessing the brackets, panels, and wiring will all add up to my plan not panning out well.
I might have a foil layer, now that you mention it. I didn’t consider that.
I’ve seen J pole enough now to guess it’s not some weird esoteric thing. Do you know if where I can read a good comparison between J pole, mono pole, vertical di pole, and horizontal di pole? I think I have a mostly good grasp of the others.
What bands are we talking about (HF or 2m/70cm?)
Is setting up a permanent 2m/70cm antenna even really worth it?
I was thinking like 10m or something maybe. I’m more asking in general, but I know it changes based on wavelength lol.