[TowerTalk] Shunt fed vs Inverted L and Vee

[Jim Brown]

On 12/3/2013 9:21 AM, Dennis W0JX wrote:
> I cannot imagine a better single element antenna for 160 that fits on my lot without guying. Your 90 foot tower might benefit by more top loading. I would get rid of the slant feed as it introduces some horizontal component. This antenna, in my opinion, is far better than an inverted L or an inverted V.

I can't comment on the loading method, but I strongly agree that the 
tower is your best bet because it's taller, and will thus have the 
greater radiation resistance. I'd say your best bang for the buck is to 
add radials, reducing the ground losses. Quantity is more important than 
length.  Antenna efficiency is limited by the voltage divider between 
the Radiation resistance and the ground resistance. More radials reduce 
the ground resistance.

As to the ground rod -- the only useful function it serves is lightning 
protection. That's important, of course, but it doesn't make the antenna 
work better.  The function of radials is to SHIELD the antenna from 
lossy earth, and to carry return current for the antenna.

73, Jim K9YC