Topband: A question of efficiency

[Ralph Matheny]

To answer your question you need to measure the character of your antenna
with considerable precision.  Based upon what you describe, there will
probably be very little difference between the two setups.  You have what
sounds to be a pretty good ground system, you are close to a 1/4 wave 
antenna, and you have everything copper that can be copper!!

I generally believe that a coil will make heat which will never result in
a  QSO, whereas a stub, topload "hat" or whatever may provide some 
radiation which might help work somebody. But from where I stand you are
a lucky fella to have such a good antenna system.

Another option you might want to look at is using the setup you have as
a folded unipole.  That will get you away from matching at a low Z point,
and may offer some advantantages on 80 and 40M.


Ralph Matheny
K8RYU
207 Gibbons Place
Marietta Ohio  45750