On Sat, 19 Aug 2006 15:23:32 -0400, jawod wrote:

Totally impractical, I know, but would the ideal beam design vary
element length AND spacing?

Hi John,

Yes, just like adjusting the length (element spacing) of a telescope
provides for focus and hence the best resolution for a given
magnification. Fixed designs, of course, have these considerations
nailed down ahead of time. Variable designs such as StepIR at some
point have to be recognized as being generalized rather than
optimized. That is, the spacing between elements has to be selected
to suit the many possible bands and lengths of the elements. This
spacing cannot serve all combinations optimally.

73's
Richard Clark, KB7QHC