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Re: Topband: comparison

To: topband@contesting.com
Subject: Re: Topband: comparison
From: GEORGE WALLNER <gwallner@the-beach.net>
Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2008 19:08:03 -0500
List-post: <topband@contesting.com">mailto:topband@contesting.com>
On Wed, 24 Dec 2008 10:57:12 -0600
  "Kevin Schavee" <n0cwrham@gmail.com> wrote:
> Has any one modeled the difference between Inverted L 
>and full size
> 1/4 wave 160m antennas?


Kevin,

I have and used both recently. I have at home a vertical 
and used an Inverted L on 5K0T just a few weeks ago.

Modeling Results:

Inv L: 18m Vert, 24m hor: 1.2 dBi average, Best Dir 1.8 
dBi, Worst Dir .6 dBi.

Vert: 40.5m Vert: 1.6 dBi.

Notes: Wire: Copper, vertical wire 2 mm dia, horizontal 
wire 1 mm dia (on Inv L), Radials: 6 x 20 m long, 1 mm 
dia, copper, on ground. Ground: Average, 5 mS conductivity 
and a Dielectric Constant of 13. I modeled a minimum 
radial system as this is where the difference is the most 
pronounced. Note that there are many other combinations of 
conductors, ground and radials that will all yield 
different modeling results.

 From a practical stand-point, the difference is not big 
(1dB). So it all depends on the supports you have: if you 
can support a 40 meter tall vertical radiator, by all 
means this is the better antenna. On the other hand, if 
all you can have is an inverted L, do not despair, it has 
the potential to be a good DX antenna. The ground system 
can make a much larger difference than the difference 
between the two antenna types, and is far more worth 
investing in. If your antenna is not a great performer, 
look at the ground and radial system first!

73,

George
AA7JV


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