On Sun, 10 Apr 2005 08:14:38 -0700, "John Smith"
wrote:

Hmmmm. The top had does NOT seem to be such a good idea, at least not in
combination with the helical coil--with total element length as a helical
and evenly spread out.

Hi Brett,

If it's not a good idea, it's not a bad idea either. A top hat is
simply a means to an end - or in terms of good and bad, it makes the
best of a poor situation.

If I just move a wrench in the yard around the antenna I get wide SWR
swings! (OK, maybe that is exaggerating a bit--but you get my meaning.)
The top hat seems to give the antenna an almost "magical ability" to couple
into any metal object of sufficient size, cars are noteworthy examples!!!

You may have a future in Home security and monitoring electronics.

73's
Richard Clark, KB7QHC