Here is a copy of a TowerTalk Post I wrote several years ago about Low Band Verticals.
Tom N4KG Dual Band Verticals for 80 and 40 meters - de N4KG The HF-2V is full size (or nearly so) on 40M but base loaded on 80M. Base loading is the LEAST efficient method of loading, resulting in a low feed impedance and narrow bandwidth. My friend KZ4V has an HF2V with 120 radials 33 ft long which works well on 40M but she struggles on 80M with this antenna. Her new 90 ft high inverted vee and vertically polarized Delta Loop are much more competitive on 80. I like the design of the relatively new and unknown MFJ-1792 80 / 40 vertical. It is full size on 40M with a loading / isolating coil and tophat on top for 80M. Top loading is the most efficient form of loading. This antenna is reasonably priced at $160. Two users have reported good results with this antenna on Towertalk. The GAP verticals are inductively loaded by a "transformed" reactance on the lowest band of operation which reduces efficiency on that band. For an excellent review see page 75 in the January 1995 issue of QST. Most users express displeasure with performance on the lowest band of operation. ( I have no affiliation with any antenna manufacturer or retailer. ) de Tom N4KG ________________________________________________________________ Sign Up for Juno Platinum Internet Access Today Only $9.95 per month! Visit www.juno.com Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, [EMAIL PROTECTED] This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org