[TowerTalk] Fw: [SteppIR] 3El height

[Jim Lux]

At 01:01 PM 7/29/2006, john at kk9a.com wrote:
>The original question (
>http://lists.contesting.com/archives//html/Towertalk/2006-07/msg00834.html )
>inquired if the angle of radiation could be changed by adjusting the element
>lengths of 3 element SteppIR.  Turning the antenna (even with an azimuth
>rotator) won't change the angle of radiation.


yes, but changing the relative lengths of the elements (which is what the 
SteppIR is all about) *can* change the vertical pattern: by changing the 
relative phases of the element currents to change from a end-fire to 
something with two lobes above and below horizontal.


>John KK9A
>
>
>From: "Tom Osborne" Date: Sat, 29 Jul 2006 10:20:37 -0700
>
>I guess I don't understand why someone would want to do all this to shift
>the pattern of the antenna in a different direction.  Why not just rotate it
>in the direction you want the pattern to go?  I don't think there is any way
>to make it have more gain.  73
>Tom W7WHY
>
>Jim, W6RMK wrote:
> >I like the "squishy water balloon of constant volume" analogy for
> > antenna patterns.  You can poke and prod it into a bizarre shape, >but the
> > overall power remains the same.
> >