Michael Coslo wrote:
So has there been a breakthrough in how the antenna maintains a
constant current through it? Can we assume the voltage must be constant
also?

If the ends of a 1/2WL dipole are terminated to
ground by ~1000 ohm resistors, the antenna current
is relatively constant. :-)
--
73, Cecil http://www.w5dxp.com

Cecil Moore wrote:

...
If the ends of a 1/2WL dipole are terminated to
ground by ~1000 ohm resistors, the antenna current
is relatively constant. :-)

Cecil:

In one of the configurations of a 1/2 wave, the bottom helix and length
of the straight length of radiator ends up right at ~8.1 ft. The upper
loading coil and top-hat/upper-radiator ends up being ~8.1 ft. This,
most likely, helps to force the current into that upper loading coil.
As, Robert Vincent, has mentioned something about "storing" the rf
energy in the bottom helix with the effect of it having a relationship
to "driving" the upper portion of the antenna.

I don't know, he has offered me a CD with complete data on the antenna,
I am arranging a anonymous address to have the CD shipped to now ...

JS

John Smith I wrote:

[stuff]

Actually, I got those figs wrong, I am late to a meeting, can't find the
paper with the final/optimized lengths/ratios/dia/turns for 10m ... I'll
send post/email 'em later today so as to have it right--just in case
there is one guy with the energy curiosity to kludge one together ...

Most important thing, I can tell, is the ratio of inductance between the
coils--my final length of all coils/radiators if .333% of full 1/2 half
.... a darn good mobile antenna!

JS