On Fri, 09 Jul 2010 09:30:55 -0700, Jim Lux
wrote:

John Ferrell wrote:
On Wed, 7 Jul 2010 14:56:59 -0400, "Ralph Mowery"
wrote:

Over the years I have seen many patterns for horizontal dipoles and the
inverted V antennas,but do not recall seeing any V shaped patterns in the
books. That is a dipole that is supported on the ends, but sag in the
middle. I know the sag is needed to some extent because of the weight of
the wire and feedline, but what happens to the pattern if it is say 1/2
wavelength or 1/4 wavelengths at the ends and the sag in the middle is
changed. Maybe drop it a few feet, then 10, 15 and 20 feet for 80 meters.

I know that for maximum distance you usually want the high current portions
up high,but maybe it will be better as a close in or omnidirectional antenna
if the center is lowered somewhat.

My initial EZNEC models of this antenna have not encouraged me to
continue.

In addition to other issues, the pattern tends to be straight up.


That's likely because the effective height of the antenna is low. A
low antenna on 80m means cloud/worm warmer. (and low, in this context,
means 20m, which is still way up in the sky).

So the traditional single support inverted V has all sorts of advantages:
only one support needed
puts the important part of the antenna (the middle) up high
The model I was working with was at 14 mhz with the feed point at
about four feet.
John Ferrell W8CCW