I have always been of the opinion that when it comes to wire antennas, the
prevailing rule of thumb is "the higher the better". However, I am about to
deploy a 270' 160m antenna, and -- based on available trees -- I can either
install an inverted vee with a 50 foot apex, along a straight vertical
plane, with ends dropping off to about 15 feet high; or a dipole at 50 feet,
with the antenna in a straight horizontal plane (center and ends at 50
feet), but the vertical plane in a V beam configuration of about 90
degrees.

I enjoy chasing DX - so which configuration should I choose? Would the
slight vertical component of the inverted vee offer me a better take-off
angle than the horizontal dipole? Or should I opt for the "higher the
better" route?

Thanks in advance for your responses,

-larry
K8UT

The effective height of an inverted vee is approximately 80% of its
apex height - depending upon the angle.

However at 50 foot height above ground ether configuration (the dipole
or inverted vee) will be a NVIS antenna system on 160 meters. If you
are seeking low takeoff angles for DX you would be better off using an
L.

73
Danny, K6MHE

On Wed, 5 May 2004 10:47:24 -0400, "Larry Gauthier \(K8UT\)"
wrote:

I have always been of the opinion that when it comes to wire antennas, the
prevailing rule of thumb is "the higher the better". However, I am about to
deploy a 270' 160m antenna, and -- based on available trees -- I can either
install an inverted vee with a 50 foot apex, along a straight vertical
plane, with ends dropping off to about 15 feet high; or a dipole at 50 feet,
with the antenna in a straight horizontal plane (center and ends at 50
feet), but the vertical plane in a V beam configuration of about 90
degrees.

I enjoy chasing DX - so which configuration should I choose? Would the
slight vertical component of the inverted vee offer me a better take-off
angle than the horizontal dipole? Or should I opt for the "higher the
better" route?

Thanks in advance for your responses,

-larry
K8UT

Larry,
At 50 feet, the differences between the two antennas
are going to be negligible. Put up whichever will be
easiest for you.
'Doc