Hi Mike, et al, Here are my thoughts interlaced.
> Hey Topbanders, > > I was looking to buy or make a mono type 80 meter antenna for DXing. > > I was wondering couple things. If I make a full quarter wave vertical WIRE > in tree 65 feet tall and see DX Engineering verticals claim 65 foot tall > but wider bandwidth. What is their secret or just advertisement? ***Using a wire - say 12 gauge - Will probably give you a 100 kHz 2:1 SWR bandwidth. Using a vertical say 2" O.D. at the bottom and 1.25" O.D. at the top will generally triple the bandwidth. Make a model with EZNEC (r) and see what you get. Ground losses also increase band width of these antennas, since "Rg" is in series with the actual antenna impedance. > > Second question, I understand more radials make vertical better, but > what > happens if one side half or one third the length radials due to space in > yard are shorter by 20 to 30 foot? Is it noticeable enough to buy a > vertical in middle of yard instead of wire in tree towards side of yard? > Dollars verses radial lengths. ***It does not make a lot of difference. One K1 has a 160 vertical near his house and most of the radials are over 180 degrees. What is important is to get enough radials on/in the ground. > > Third and last question, can some of the radials, quarter of them, > overlap with radials of another antenna (160M mono vertical Gladiator > antenna)? Would it affect the performance noticeable. ###In my opinion, if the ground radials are below "elevated radials" for another antenna there should be no problem. The reverse is also true. I know a ham with 80 meter 4-square around a 160 meter vertical. The 80 meter radials are elevated and the 160 meter radials are in the sod. > > I don't need long answers, just something to help out a bit. > Not sure what antenna to buy or make yet. I am in 2 and half acres and can > maybe stretch in field next to me some with no one knowing. Not many 80M > momo antennas to choose from. > It is a late Summer or Fall project so time to think. > > Mike > n0 odk > 73 > thanks for suggestions gang. > _________________ > Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband ***Good luck de George, K8GG _________________ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband