JArthur wrote:
If a longer antenna is better then why do they sometimes have to be cut
shorter when tuning?


I guess you're getting anal about a 1:1 SWR?

Most mobile antennas have an SWR of about 1.5:1 when tuned properly.
Tune for maximum field strength, not lowest SWR. The two don't
always happen at the same place.

My CB antenna runs about 1.7:1. I talk anywhere I want to. I don't
even know what my 2 meter beam is at. It works just fine.

Shorter makes an antenna capacitive.
Longer makes an antenna inductive.

This length is frequency dependent.

May I suggest a trip to your local library to pick up some books on
RF/antenna theory? Try ARRL handbooks and others somewhere around 630.

no Scott I'm not anal about low SWR's. I am just not too knowlegeable
when it comes to antennas and was just curious is all. I like to learn
things

JArthur wrote:
no Scott I'm not anal about low SWR's. I am just not too knowlegeable
when it comes to antennas and was just curious is all. I like to learn
things


Antennas have so many facets, I could not even begin to dive in
and give you a simple start, that's why I suggested a trip to
the library, or a Google session. Start absorbing data and you'll
start to understand it in a while.

Scott in Baltimore wrote:
JArthur wrote:
no Scott I'm not anal about low SWR's. I am just not too knowlegeable
when it comes to antennas and was just curious is all. I like to learn
things


Antennas have so many facets, I could not even begin to dive in
and give you a simple start, that's why I suggested a trip to
the library, or a Google session. Start absorbing data and you'll
start to understand it in a while.

Or do like Jim said and try to keep it under 2 to 1 on 11 meters.

ARRL books, etc are 621.384 in Dewey Decimal System.