Think of the "T" match (with the driven element) as being similar to a
folded dipole. The element should not have a break in the middle, just
as the second wire in the folded dipole should not. If you put a break
in the middle, it would become for all practical purposes just a
center-driven dipole.

Cheers,
Tom


Bart wrote:
I built a 6 element 432mhz yagi from instructions in the ARRL Handbook. I
used a 1" wood dowel for the beam and 1/4" aluminum rod for the elements. I
used a "T" match on the driven element. One on each side, just like the
illustrations show. And a 1/2 wavelength phasing line.

But the instructions don't show or say if the driven element is split in the
middle.

Shouldn't the driven element be split.