Another antenna for top band that's worth considering is a Double L (Don Toman, K2KQ) www.yccc.org/Articles/double_l.htm . It is essentially a vertical dipole with the ends bent parallel to the ground and in the same vertical plane. So, if you have, say, a 70 foot or higher tower, you can raise the bottom horizontal wire up 10 feet off the ground and the top one at 70 feet. The pattern is primarily influenced by the 60 foot (center fed) vertical section (omni directional with decent low-angle lobes). I find it works well both long-haul and close in. Because it is a vertical dipole, the ground return is via the lower vertical/horizontal (non-non-inverted L). So, no need for radials, just the one 105 foot horizonal wire at 10 feet. I have mine hanging off the tower with bungee cords at 72 and 10 feet. The vertical portion is parallel to the tower and about 24 inches from it. Both horizontal portions go to the same tree (the tree is not high enough, so the my antenna looks more like a pennant than a true Double L). But, it does work. Compared with inverted Ls, half slopers, and other antennas I've tried, this one has been the most reliable.
Rob K6RB ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:[email protected] This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
