Topband: Best angle of radiation ?

[Lloyd Berg N9LB]

I was involved in broadcast engineering for many years ( probably one of 
the reasons for my interest in 160m and AM ).

There were numerous technical write ups about stations who wanted the 
maximum theoretical ground wave signal and spent big bucks to put up 5/8 
wave verticals.  They were always disappointed in the unexpectedly 
reduced coverage area that resulted.

Most of the reasoning for this unexpected negative result was attributed 
to the minor high-angle lobe produced by the 5/8 wave coming back down 
and interfering with the main lower angle signal.  As a result, those 
station who had experimented with 5/8 wave towers usually reduced them 
to 1/2 wave or less.

73

Lloyd - N9LB