When designing a low band antenna for my Guam QTH, I purposely went through great trouble to make a true "TEE" vertical to avoid having an inverted L on 160. I figured that being limited to 55ft of vertical height, the rest of the "L" would present a significant higher angle horizontally polarized component. I am located 1,500 miles from Japan and 7,000 miles from both Eastern North America and Western Europe. I wanted to maximize low angle takeoff and efficiency by using top loading and a good radial field, and to keep the radiating portion centered as much as possible over my radials.
I understand that high angle propagation does occur on 160m, however low angle generally rules. With room for only one transmit antenna, I felt it was more important to be prepared for the 90% scenario, instead of those rare occasions when high angle takeoff is a factor. I think those who worked me for a new one and those who still need Guam on 160m will thank me for the decision I made. By all means, if you have room for more than one antenna, a second high angle radiator could be the trick to completing some QSOs. However, if you only have room for one, I'd aim to have a radiator as high in efficiency with as low an angle of takeoff as possible. This is what you get with a vertical over salt water, usually considered "the ideal situation". 73, Dave KH2/N2NL _______________________________________________ UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK
