[TowerTalk] LPDA optimal height

[Ed Sawyer]

There is no one perfect height for the "South facing yagi" for DX
Contesting.

 

Is it a Carib antenna, a zone 7 antenna, a PY/LU/CE antenna?  Those are
different heights for optimum angle for each band.  One beam at one height
for 3 bands - whether a tribander or an LPDA - is always going to be a
compromise.  Pick which thing is the most important on the most important
band and place it there, the rest will be what they are.

 

>From here in North Central Vermont, I have a 10M 4el at 50 ft, a 15M 3 el at
45ft, and a 20M 3 el at 60 ft all beaming south.  They are a "split the
difference" height for PY vs KP4.  Its rarely more than 1 or 2 calls using
high power to put the Q in the log.  An exception is first openings on 10M
and the beginning of the contest on 20M.

 

If I had to pick one band, I would go 20M carrying the decision and put it
at about 60 ft unless you are very south, like Texas, in which case its
probably more like 45 - 50 ft.  

 

Ed  N1UR