Hello Chad:


Chad Wahls wrote:
This could also be one reason of the "36 Foot" myth It is said that best
results are obtained when the A99 or Imax is at 36' to the feed point.

I have watched received and transmitted field strength signals, from a
antenna being cranked up on a crank up tower. All I ever see is the
higher the antenna the stronger the signals. I never see a sweet spot or
anything that is magic at 36 feet.

Maybe it's not the relationship to ground as much as the length of the mast
acting as the counterpoise. If you want to go more than 36' then a ground
plane kit is recommended to lower the take off angle. Many have noticed good
results with the GPK above 36' but found it a waste below 36', HMMMM. I'm
only at 20' now on a push up with a tower coming in spring to get me to 36'
I don't want to go much taller A. because the wife would freak, and B. it
would become a lightning magnet in my one-horse-town.

The ground plane kits I have seen do not impress me. I see shorter than
a 1/4 wavelength, and tilted down. I don't think this is worth the
effort. I have always wanted to add on 4 each 96 or 102 inch long
fiberglass whip antennas, mounted at the base of the antenna, and flat
and level. But you need to compare the field strength with the before
and after ground plane installation. And at different heights.

The difference will only be a dB or so (I haven't measured it either)
maybe even less than a dB or more! Let those with field strength
measurements tell all.

Another consideration is, how much is a dB or 2 dB worth in antenna
performance, as compared to distance in quiet skip times. Quit a bit!

Another thing to ponder is that the addition of the Balun may help the ERP
because you are eliminating one of the 2 counterpoises (mast and coax) which
would certainly have 2 different velocity factors. This could possibly act
as a phasor in certain instances and cause an omni antenna to be "not so
omni"

This is all good stuff here Chad! This all may be true, again field
strength measurements will tell who's lying and who ain't.

There is a possibility that my ERP may have gone up after the balun
installation. Although problems associated with feedline radiation in the
shack decreased, the audio problems with the stereo in there shack increased
slightly. Maybe there is a tad more coming out of the stick and not being
wasted elsewhere?

This would be a place to add on the level 1/4 wavelength ground plane
radials and test the audio interference again. It may be significantly
attenuated.

Once again just pondering, I may be WAY off

Chad

When it comes to antennas, no one can see where the RF Energy is going,
so field strength testing will set us free. I think your on the right track.

Jay in the Mojave