Hi, setting up an IC-705 with an AH-705 and Chameleon MPAS Lite I got from gigaparts. The antenna set came with a whip, spike, transformer, coax, and antenna, about 60ft. I live in an apartment with a screened in balcony. I can’t really use the spike with the transformer and I don’t have a counterpoise wire. I was just going to throw the antenna up in some fashion on my balcony screen just so that I can get on the air and play around. I know I won’t have the best range right now and that’s ok while I learn. I’ll start going to parks later once I figure things out. Just want to make sure this setup isn’t going to fry the transiever or me. Also is the image right? The instructions were kind of hard to follow. Thanks.
What bands are you hoping to operate on from the balcony?
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FT8 on 20meter
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Unless you have room for that 17’ whip I don’t suspect your antenna system will fit well.. you could try a 20 meter ham stick on a window screen.. it won’t be great but it will work in a much smaller space… given you only have 5 watts maybe 10 most to play with don’t expect stellar results… but you will make contacts
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You could always take it out to a park to test! You’re definitely want to get that 60ft of wire extended out fully and up on a mast or using a tree.
Here is a video of me and Jim setting up an end fed at my house, hope this is helpful: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RT45K8Y7PU8
If you are planning mostly FT8 I would check out the Icom AL 705 Mag loop antenna.
It would be good for a balcony antenna for your use case. I use a similar one when I travel from Hotel Balcony’s. It can also be used near a window with decent results.
Jeff KA9MIC
Great setup. That radio will work just fine using a 53’ wire in a tree and a 11’ counterpoise wire at a 90deg from the antenna wire. Both wires are connected directly to the +/- of the Icom tuner.
No transformer or balum needed. That Icom antenna tuner will have no problem tuning most bands with a 53’ wire. A .26 ga wire is ideal but you can use something larger.
The 53’ wire in a tree will outperform all loaded antennas like you have described. Simple is best with this radio. The .26ga stealth wire can be found at the wireman and can’t be seen by most people so easy to hide.
You can use a 7oz arborist weight and some kevlar kite string to get the antenna in a tree.
I have talked around the globe with voice and digital with the Icom 705 and Icom tuner and a wire in a tree. Everything else is a distraction. Keep it simple and good luck.
K9BRM