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Re: [TowerTalk] 20m monoband Yagi height

To: towertalk@contesting.com
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] 20m monoband Yagi height
From: W0MU Mike Fatchett <w0mu@w0mu.com>
Date: Tue, 14 Jul 2020 11:17:31 -0600
List-post: <mailto:towertalk@contesting.com>
I believe that 100 ft is a desirable height for 20m.  I have always had 70ft towers, which seems to be a good tradeoff for a tribander.  70ft will be better than 50ft, but both probably work just fine for 95 of what you might be doing.  I was going to stack tribanders at 70 and 40 feet.  I was more into domestic contests so the lower height of the 2nd antennas plays into that plus it helped with some terrain issues filling in some path angle gaps.

You can model this this HFTA  or HTFA and see for yourself if the extra height is worth it.



On 7/14/2020 10:24 AM, Robert Gerace wrote:
Please forgive my inability to figure out how to search archives by subject as 
I have to imagine this is a common question.

Understanding the best answer is “as high as possible” and the second best 
answer is at least one wavelength...

I wanted to ask about some real world experience between 50’ and 66-70’...

Specifically: given the same antenna, same QTH, same general point in the solar 
cycle...

Has anyone had a 20m monoband, trapless beam at ~50’, then raised it to ~70’ 
and seen enough consistent improvement to justify the effort?

Background:

Given my QTH I have about 55’ to tilt my (in process of permitting) tower. If I want to go 
higher I’m clear to 70 easy. However it will require telescoping (e.g. lower to 55, then 
tilt) to be able to service from the ground — a requirement for me.)

The cost difference is very substantial all the way around: purchase, shipping, 
footing, installation).

So I’m wondering if it’s worth all the time and trouble to get an extra 15-20 
feet?

Background: I’d like a big signal, would like to have at least a 50-75% chance to bust 
most pileups... even if it takes patience...but I’m a casual DXer who after 44 years 
is getting serious about 20m CW DXCC.

I’m not trying to be the guy who is first through the pileup or even places in a DX 
contest... but I’m tired of being the guy who can only reach for low hanging fruit. I 
want to work some more dopamine inducing DX and maybe turn in something more than average on 
contests.

I live in NE FL, a mile from the beach, on very sandy soils, and have oak trees at 
45’.

Any insight appreciated.

Thanks es 73
Bob
KD4Q

Sent from my iPhone
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