Chuck Harris wrote:


Me? I hear no-codes and nickle extras arguing how long a half wave dipole
should be. [-SC]

I heard the same things 25 years ago from Generals that got their licenses at
the offices of the FCC.


This here no-code would say that a half-wave dipole ought to be...
....as long as it needs to be, and no longer. Which brings up a
question: Does it make a difference what type of conductor is used to
build an antenna?, i.e. is copper 'better' than aluminum? are there
alloys whichare better still? how about conductive plastics?

And shape: all I've read about (so far) has been wire- or
rod-construction: dipole, inverted-V, quad, et cetera. How about
non-round elements like ribbon? They'd be collapsible rather than
bulky, since they could be wound up on a spool or bobbin.

Sort-of like the 'fishing-pole' antennas I've heard about, but with
more tensile strength, the idea being that the antenna could be
customized for whatever band you want to listen or transmit on (not a
new idea, granted); half-, third-, fifth-, quarter-, eighth-, you
pickit.
(hey, no sixth-wave antennas out there?)

Just curious. I've yet to learn enough about stuff to know what most
of you guys have probably forgotten long ago.

Thanks & 73, Terry KC9KEL