On Wed, 10 Nov 2010 13:46:12 -0800 (PST), JIMMIE
wrote:

On Nov 7, 4:18*pm, Owen Duffy wrote:
"David" nospam@nospam wrote :



Which antenna is better: 5/8 wavelength vertical or a J pole?

Better for what? For example, a 5/8 whip would usually be better than a J
snip


Owen, I think the popularity of VHF mobile 5/8 antenna lies in it has
more gain than a 1/4 wl antenna and is easier to match to 50 ohms than
a .5 wl antenna. I had certainly rather DIY a 2M 5/8 mobile antenna
than a .5 wl version. From information I have seen the 5/8 often
touted for its low angle of radiation may actually have a
significantly higher angle of radiation than the .5 wl antenna used in
a similar situation. This is not to say either antenna would not be
equally useful.

Jimmie
In the late 1970's my work car was a tiny Ford Fiesta (AKA "Fiasco"
It was fitted with a 5/8 wave on a fender mount. The transciever was a
Heath 2036 at 5 watts. The antenna did perform very well as far as
distance was concerned.

However, it was tall enough to ping the light fixtures in the many
parking garages that were essential to my job.

The biggest advantage of a J-Pole is that it is not dependent on a
good ground.

John Ferrell W8CCW