Jerry,
Hilltop antennas on top band are not really worth the effort if you can put
a good vertical down in the low land. With an angle finder check the
critical angle and don't worry get about anything below 20 degrees on 160.
As a general rule the ground conductivity and moisture content of the
lowland will reward you, assuming a reasonable ground radial system. Most
good lowland top band installations will most likely out perform a hill top
effort. When you travel around the countryside take notice of the
locations of AM radio stations antennas. They are seldom if ever placed on
hilltops but you will find plenty down in the flood planes and river
valleys. The same is true with some many former military COMSTA's located
in swamps, flood planes, deltas, and coastlines.
It is hard for many amateurs who make the move to Top band to forget the
higher is better rule.
73
Herb Schoenbohm, (ex-KV4FZ)
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