"Matthew and Wendy Plante" wrote -
Is there a significant difference in gain between an
inverted Vee and a horizontal dipole antenna?

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Gain is not an appropriate term to use in a performance comparison.

The power radiating efficiency of an inverted-vee is typically 3 to 5
decibels worse than a horizontal half-wave dipole at the same height as the
apex of the vee. Less than an S-unit. This is due entirely to extra loss
induced in the soil under the antenna, the average height of the wire in a
vee being roughly half the height of the dipole.

The radiating pattern of a vee is very little different from a horizontal
dipole at the same average height. It is a little more omni-directional
which may be considered an advantage. But in practice the difference is not
noticeable.

If you took both antennas up to a height of a wavelength above ground there
would be no difference between the two.

Installation advice - keep the ends of the vee as high as possible above
ground level.

To relate antenna-plus-feedline performance to all dimensions and ground
conditions, download in a few seconds and run immediately, program INV_VEE
from website below.

Dimensions and angles can be smoothly varied from the keyboard. Optimise
performance on what will fit into your backyard.
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Regards from Reg, G4FGQ
For Free Radio Design Software
go to http://www.g4fgq.com
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