[TowerTalk] Loop vs Dipole...I'm original "asker"

[Richards]

My single wire half-sloper is attached to a 20 foot mast, with like 7 
radials
and works poorly, but does make contacts on occasion.  From Michigan
I have been to Conn, Tenn, Ohio, Canada, Indiana, Ill, and some others.

But at least one fellow has pointed out, as you mention, it can interact
with stuff on the tower or the tower itself, like if it was attached to a
HyGain Hi-Tower - it could through off and detune the tower which is
part of the radiator.

Unfortunately, your final comment leaves me wanting more.  I do not
intend to chase DX, but I do want some sort of meaningful existence
on 160, 80, and 40.    What specific solution could I employ?  Maybe
one of those Force-12 43 foot mono pole masts they tune up on
all bands... 160 - 10?  Or something else.  I cannot believe I have to
give up on those low bands entirely.

And (while not wanting to start an argument...;-)  I wonder WHY NOT
worry about trying to cover the bands with good antennas?  There MUST
be some sort of solution for a small lot that is better than a dumb old
dipole at a mere 20 feet.   (At least I really hope so !!)   ;-)

Thanks for the input - it all is helping me get focussed on this mess.
Lots of good help here.   It all helps.

BTW - My single wire half sloper is made by AlphaDelta... is yours?

////////////////////////   Richards - K8JHr  ////////////////////////

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Bill Ogden wrote:

> The interaction between various wire antennas may be more than "minor".

  > A suggestion: If you are just getting started with ham radio, do not 
worry
> about trying to cover all the 160-10 meter bands with good antennas. 


This
> would be quite unusual for a startup installation. Define your interests.
> If you intend to chase DX, then forget about 160 on a small lot. Also, do
> not overly worry about small SWR mismatches.  With short coax runs (on your
> small lot) a 2:1 or 3:1 SWR on 160/80/40/30 meters is not significant,
> providing your rig does not begin to "fold back" at these levels.
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