"John" wrote in message ...
Can someone tell me please an easy way to calculate the optimum angle of
radiation from a transmitting antenna over a given path on the HF bands
(160m - 10m)?

OK, I guess its all to do with the height of the reflective layer in play
and the distance of the QSO but I'd really appreciate some clues as to how
to work this out.

John, to get some more insight in this, I could suggest to take a look
at
http://elbert.its.bldrdoc.gov/pc_hf/hfwin32.html.

I must admit however that it will require some learning-effort.

If you found the angle of interest, you could then use any antenna
modelling package to determine the antenna height needed for the
frequency used. Or use HFTA for none-flat/sloping surfaces.

Arie.