Topband: phasing line lengths for phased verticals

[DALE LONG]

Until recently, I had phased verticals on both 80m and 160m and lots of beverages. (this was in a woods, and not my property)  Then the loggers came and destroyed all.

In addition to the antennas, the phasing lines were torn up, and broken and needed replacement.  For 160m I use the Christman method with .71 and .84 wavelength lines. For 80m I use a Comtek PVS-2 controller.


In replacing the 80m phasing lines today I made a stupid mistake, I dont know what I was thinking, but I carefully measured and soldered two identical 1/4 wave lengths of new coax.  I tested them on my AIM 4170 and they were nearly identical, exactly on the design frequency.  Then I went to install them and guess what...of course they were too short.  I have worked with phased verticals before and I know that you often need to use 3/4 wave phasing lines, but I was too intent on measuring and soldering and making the repairs.

So now I have two questions.

1. for 80m phased verticals that are 1/2 wave apart (66 feet), what will be the pattern?  It's not the same as 1/4 wave spacing, so what really is happening?

2. what is the best length of phasing line to use.  Should I use 3/4 wave phasing lines?  Should I avoid using 1/2 wave phasing lines?

Thanks

Dale - N3BNA