On 12-May-2004, "JLB" wrote:

Hence my question. Are we? I recall that a 5/8 wave vertical was 'close' to
50 ohms at the feed point and could be 'adjusted' with an inductance across
the feed point (with the feedline at a tap perhaps?). That is the whole
point is using such a 'magic number' as 5/8 wavelength.

The resistive part of the Z of a 5/8 wave will closer to 50 ohms than it will be for a 1/2 wave, but
in most cases will be higher than 50. You may be thinking of a vertical close to 3/8 wave which
will be 50 -jx. The -jx (capacitance) can be resonated with a +jx in series for a 50 ohm feedpoint.

Ken Fowler