Richard wrote:
In my experience, the vertical angle of maximum radiation, in general,
decreases with antenna height above the earth, when the height of the
antenna in is not over 5/8 wavelength.

That's a good paraphrase of the standard writings on the subject, but..

Richard also wrote:
A 1/2-wave horizontal dipole erected 1/4-wave over good earth has its
maximum radiation toward the zenith. The same antenna elevated to
1/2-wave above the earth has a take-off angle near 30 degrees above the
horizon.

Please explain this (apparent) contradiction? I expended significant effort
to get a dipole 1/2 wavelength above ground, and did so specifically for
long-haul communications. I may have missed any theory about the 1/4
wavelength being the optimal height, as I was always told (as I read) that
1/2 wavelength height was considered optimal for a number of reasons, not
the least of which was the best take-off angle.

Thanks,

Jack Painter
NF05CM
Oceana Radio