wrote in message
...
I always assumed having more 1/2 elements in a collinear was best,
because that obviously raises gain and lowers angle. So from that
point of view, I was thinking that it would actually be better to use
a low VF coax, since that would give you shorter length elements, thus
being able to fit more elements in a shorter space. But I've also read
that having the element lengths closer to actual 1/2 length (longer)
is actually more efficient than having more elements at a shorter (low
VF) length. Just wondering what people's opinion is on this... So lets
say you have a choice between using the insulated center conductor of
a VF 78 coax through brass tube outer elements and having room for a
few extra elements in a given length, verses using just an insulated
wire that has a 99 VF through brass tube outer elements, thereby
allowing slightly less elements because they're longer, but the
elements you do have are closer to actual 1/2 length. Which would be
best? And this is basically various UHF bands we're talking about.

Thanks for any opinions,

Dave

Hi Dave

Opinion --
If your options are either 5 radiating elements, all slightly shorter than
1/2 wave, or 4 longer elements, there wil be no decernable difference in
which is best. If you are contemplating the construction of an antenna much
longer than several wavelengths, you will encounter problems much more
siginificant than efficiency,. So, in my opinion, the "best" is whatever
you find convenient.

Jerry KD6JDJ