In the early 90's N6KB and I tried a 5/8 wl Vertical on 160m. It was a wire vertical supported by a helium balloon and spaced several hundred feet from a permanent 1/4 wl Vertical. Both antennas had a similar, extensive radial system and they were both over average ground. We did many A/B comparisons during that contest weekend. We were shocked to find that the existing 1/4 wl performed better than the much taller Vertical. This was around 1992 so we did not model anything but actually tried it. After this the 5/8 antenna was never tried again.
Recently I have been having some toughts about again trying a 5/8 vertical just for the fun of doing it. Actually I am thinking about setting up a few Vertical antennas of different sizes, maybe four of them and do a comparison of their actual performance over very good ground. They would be sized from a 5/8 wl vertical down to a short whip. All of them would be set up about 1/2 mile or so out over the Ocean. I already have a permanent 60' tall bottom loaded vertical there. I am not interested in making contacts, just receiving signal reports. Nothing permanent, this would be a one time deal. I am wondering if there is any interest in participating in this. Any Suggestions are welcome. Niko AC6DD _________________ Topband Reflector
