Re: [TenTec] 80m antenna suggestion

[edoc <kd4e@arrl.net>]

> > I would agree.  Just remember, typically a larger antenna will out-perform a
> > smaller antenna.  Thus a full wave loop, having more wire in the air, should
> > out-perform a 1/2 wave dipole.
> > 73 Bob, K4TAX

I think that one will find various results with various antennas at 
various heights over varying grounds for varying applications.

The only consistent factor is that we all get in trouble when we
try to state absolutes about wire antennas from location to location.

A dipole tends to be a "safe" choice, though not truly omnidirectional 
(only a proper vertical offers that feature).  A dipole, environment 
permitting, offers a broad distribution of signal -- also offering 
little of what is sometimes called "gain" -- probably better labeled 
"focus".

There is a fascinating discussion on the TowerTalk list on 
contesting.com about Flag and Pennant wire antennas.  They offer 
gain/focus through directionality, multiband features, and are 
relatively compact horizontally vs a fully stretched dipole.

A long dipole/zepp at the proper height tends to provide excellent 
receive sensitivity characteristics, low = NVIS for local 
communications, high = DX.  The higher it gets, however, the broader
the pattern and thus the more signals received from more directions-- 
not always desirable -- and on TX one is spreading ones signal rather 
than focusing it on a desired target -- also not always desirable.

Folks might visit LB Cebik's site and also subscribe to the TowerTalk 
list as they will find highly experienced Hams who can add greatly to 
this discussion -- this being a TenTec-specific list we are limited in 
knowledge-base among TenTec folks (not a weak group, just a smaller
rig-focused vs antenna-focused one).

--
Thanks! & 73, doc kd4e
West Pasco County, FL
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