Topband: Vertical vs inverted L question/opinions

[Tom W8JI]

> Why is an inverted "L" apparently so popular on 160 when it wastes so much 
> RF as a cloud warmer?

"Wastes so much RF" is sort of subjective.

Comparing an L to a T, both 65 feet high and resonant over 50 radials, the T 
has almost exactly the same average ground wave signal. There is only a tiny 
fraction of a dB difference. In some directions the L is a tiny bit 
stronger, and in some directions the T is a tiny bit stronger, but it all 
amounts to a fraction of a dB.

The only real major issue is the L has about 0.4 dB front-to-back.

They aren't that much different in impedance, either.

I'm not sure anyone would see any difference, except perhaps the L fills in 
the deep vertical null a little bit.

This changes if the L and T are not self-resonant. Even so, unless the L is 
made so long the current maximum moves out of the vertical section, there 
isn't really what most would consider a significant difference.

In my opinion, the choice is mostly a matter of what best fits the supports. 
Unless you try to use Tree for an antenna, then you might be 20 dB down.

73 Tom