[TowerTalk] Dipole Longer or higher?

[Gary Schafer]

Joe Subich, K4IK wrote:
> 
> I strongly disagree.  L.B. bases his recommendation for the 88' 
> dipole on only one factor, the ability to maintain a broadside 
> lobe between 3.5 and 14.5 MHz.  That's not the only thing to 
> consider.  
> 
> 1) The longer antenna will have a higher current, particularly 
>    at the current maxima.  Higher current => more radiation => 
>    more gain/higher efficiency. 
> 


A short antenna will radiate just as well as a long antenna. Its length 
  makes no difference in the amount of power radiated.

The only thing that changes the gain in a particular direction is 
changing the pattern of the antenna or changing its efficiency.
Its efficiency isn't going to change very much by changing its length 
10% or so.
Getting power to the antenna can be a determining problem though.

73
Gary  K4FMX