Topband: Length of Hi-Z vertical wire

[Lee K7TJR]

Hi Gary, The length of your element will have no affect on the pattern of your array. The length will affect the absolute output level of the array. For your circumstances it is doubtful adding extra length will help. In only the quietest of locations will the array noise figure approach  too high for the ambient noise. I suggest winding just a few turns of the element wire around your poles to increase the effective diameter a bit but do not wind so many that you have excessive inductance. About 2 turns per foot is good secured with good tape or Zip ties. Making all the verticals as close to the same as you can will ensure that the pattern is optimum. The three element array controller is not as lossy as the more multi-element controllers and so has a better noise figure. 19 feet should work very well for you.
Lee  K7TJR 

I just received the shipment of fiberglass 
extendible poles today and before I 
replace my droopy old PVC verticals for 
the HI-Z 3 ele array. I'm wondering if 
anyone has experimented with the length of 
the elements and found better results. I 
believe the wire is 19' long and wonder if 
24' would make an objective difference in 
directivity or null?

These are heavy poles & 4' long each and I 
have to lift them upright so more than 6 
of them would be unwieldy for me to get up 
& inserted into the base, doing it by 
myself alone. If the extra 4' would be of 
help, I'm sure I can manage.

Thanks

Gary  KA1J