Topband: Adding 80 m to 160 m quarterwave vertical

[Rob Atkinson]

A ham can certainly try a voltage fed 180 degree vertical, but the
physical conditions at the feedpoint change dramatically because it's
quite possible a few KV of RF v. will be there, unlike what we have
with a current maxima at the feedpoint.  So insulation and keeping
surfaces dry become much more important.  You can't just use a block
of wood exposed to rain for an insulator and if the base is on a
concrete pier, it has to have copper strapped around it so the
concrete isn't part of the v. gradient between the antenna and ground.
Besides arcs, RF loss is a consideration, plus the ground system has
to be extended because the induced earth currents are farther out.
It's a lot of trouble and expense for a slightly lower take off.

73
Rob
K5UJ