Art, KB9MZ wrote:
"And was prevented from joining the local group because of nultiple QSOs
on the same frequency."

Single-element vertical antennas are deficient in directivity at any
azimuth. They have a single null off their tips, that is toward the
zenith.

At HF, groundwave disappears with increasing frequency. Thus, short
range communication is hindered.

Best regards, Richard Harrison, KB5WZI