K9YC wrote: "But there IS a difference in efficiency that looking ONLY at the pattern misses."
Your point is unclear to me. Of course the pattern of a horizontal antenna changes with changing height and with other environmental factors. If the antenna is actually on the ground the efficiency is pretty terrible, but it does not have to be very high before efficiency does not change meaningfully with height - assuming that total radiation is considered rather than just that which is useful. However, I was only describing a horizontal dipole at around 5/8 wavelength high. NR1DX suggested that because the ends are lower than the centre that there was now an additional "significant vertical component". There is not if the included angle is shallow, which in my case it is.* 73 Roger VE3ZI *(I stated that the ends were at 250' - they are at least that, and could be up to about 290' - but I have not accurately measured the tension in the support rope nor allowed for stretch so I cannot be specific about the catenary.) _________________ Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector
