On Wed, 26 Apr 2006 17:13:25 GMT, Telamon
wrote:

In article ,
"Frank Dresser" wrote:

"Telamon" wrote in message
...


From the description I am unable to determine the antenna type. If I
was to take a guess that both sets of elements are the same length and
that they are supposed to be spread out in a "X" shape then this is an
antenna designed to couple very strongly the space around it. The
result of this type is a comparatively high voltage output. This is
useful for a radio with poor sensitivity. This type will generate a
stronger voltage for a signal for which it is cut than a dipole.

It looks to me like a garden-variety bow-tie dipole. It would perform like
a simple dipole, just a little more broadbanded.

If the assumption is correct about the elements being the same length
then yes. This is my assumption based on the picture.

I mostly agree with your assessment that you would have a comparatively
broadband dipole performance but in my experience this antenna generates
more signal voltage then that assumption of performance would indicate.

The greater broadband performance over a dipole come from the elements
appearing larger in diameter electrically, which more effectively
couples it to the space around it.

This antenna type is appropriate for tube type receivers as rain, snow,
sand or just blowing wind conditions will have a stronger tendency to
generate a larger static charge compared to other antenna types. This
could be a problem for solid state radios. You would want static
protection for a solid state radio with this antenna.

Tube radios need static protection, too. The input coils open up, even if
the tubes remain unharmed.

Yes, but the solid state units are more easily damaged by the high
voltage than the tube units.

If that's the case, all those hams running multi-element beams or
half-mile long beverages must be living dangerously :-)

bob
k5qwg