wrote in message
ups.com...
snip

I've never been a great fan of J-poles, but if I were to
build one, it would be the standard 1/2 wave version.
If one is going to build a copper J pole using 5/8
elements, they should use two and build it as a
collinear. And even in that case, there should be a
decoupling section added for the best performance.
My favorite "cheap and easy" antenna for VHF is
not the j pole.. It's the 1/4 wave ground plane with
sloping radials.

Having made a couple of whip+radials antennas out of old coathangers, I
am not at all hostile to your views.

However, as a fan of the j-pole, myself, I offer their ruggedness as a
distinct advantage. My first copper pipe j-pole (from the early 1990's) is
still on my roof. It has turned a slightly darker color but is otherwise as
good as new. I made three for our Fire House RACES station (two 2m & a 6m)
and they will outlive me.

Just my $0.02.

73,
"Sal"
(KD6VKW)