Bill Turner wrote:

David G. Nagel wrote:


Actually it is acting as one half of a dipole. It is just a
non-resonant half of a dipole. Remember "di" means two.

Dave WD9BDZ


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In a strict sense you are correct, but in the context here where one
half of the dipole is an eight-foot whip and the other half is four
feet of car body, we don't have much of an 80 meter antenna without the
coupling from car body to earth ground.

Bill, W6WRT


No argument here Bill. The point I guess I was trying to make is that a
dipole antenna system is two elements no matter what you make them of.
I use a Hi Sierra screwdriver antenna on my Honda Element. Even though
is is an impressive construct I don't harbor any illusions that it is an
efficient radiator. The body of the car is longer than the length of the
screwdriver, coil and whip. I have also used an Outbacker. Some say that
is a good antenna for it type, I have not had that good of a result with
it. Of course I am using my mobile for Civil Air Patrol and the
Outbacker does not fit that frequency very well on the precut tuning jacks.
I have found this thread to be interesting but I think that is had
passed that point.
I do not consider myself to be anything other than an interested amateur
and always consider your comments with great interest. Thank you for
your personal comments.

Dave WD9BDZ