Richard wrote:
In my experience, the vertical angle of maximum radiation, in general,
decreases with antenna height above the earth, when the height of the
antenna in is not over 5/8 wavelength.

That's a good paraphrase of the standard writings on the subject, but..

Richard also wrote:
A 1/2-wave horizontal dipole erected 1/4-wave over good earth has its
maximum radiation toward the zenith. The same antenna elevated to
1/2-wave above the earth has a take-off angle near 30 degrees above the
horizon.

Please explain this (apparent) contradiction? I expended significant effort
to get a dipole 1/2 wavelength above ground, and did so specifically for
long-haul communications. I may have missed any theory about the 1/4
wavelength being the optimal height, as I was always told (as I read) that
1/2 wavelength height was considered optimal for a number of reasons, not
the least of which was the best take-off angle.

Thanks,

Jack Painter
NF05CM
Oceana Radio

Well, maybe the late hour contributed to MY mix up of Zenith (overhead) and
Azimuth, horizon, etc. Thanks for the nice piece anyway Richard!

"Jack Painter" wrote in message
news:TSBwb.14594$yM6.11303@lakeread06...
Richard wrote:
In my experience, the vertical angle of maximum radiation, in general,
decreases with antenna height above the earth, when the height of the
antenna in is not over 5/8 wavelength.

That's a good paraphrase of the standard writings on the subject, but..

Richard also wrote:
A 1/2-wave horizontal dipole erected 1/4-wave over good earth has its
maximum radiation toward the zenith. The same antenna elevated to
1/2-wave above the earth has a take-off angle near 30 degrees above the
horizon.

Please explain this (apparent) contradiction? I expended significant
effort
to get a dipole 1/2 wavelength above ground, and did so specifically for
long-haul communications. I may have missed any theory about the 1/4
wavelength being the optimal height, as I was always told (as I read) that
1/2 wavelength height was considered optimal for a number of reasons, not
the least of which was the best take-off angle.

Thanks,

Jack Painter
NF05CM
Oceana Radio

Jack Painter wrote:
"I may have missed any theory about the 1/4 wavelength being the optimal
height---."

I missed that too, unless your aim is near vertical incidence reflection
from the ionosphere for nearby contacts. Some hams have that goal and
argue that 1/4-wave height is enough because it gives the first
elevation that produces the drivepoint impedance of the horizontal
dipole in free-space.

The purpose of the antenna is communication, not impedance. A friendly
impedance helps of course.

Best regards, Richard Harrison, KB5WZI