I was involved in broadcast engineering for many years ( probably one of
the reasons for my interest in 160m and AM ).
There were numerous technical write ups about stations who wanted the
maximum theoretical ground wave signal and spent big bucks to put up 5/8
wave verticals. They were always disappointed in the unexpectedly
reduced coverage area that resulted.
Most of the reasoning for this unexpected negative result was attributed
to the minor high-angle lobe produced by the 5/8 wave coming back down
and interfering with the main lower angle signal. As a result, those
station who had experimented with 5/8 wave towers usually reduced them
to 1/2 wave or less.
73
Lloyd - N9LB
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Topband reflector - [email protected]
