Messages

1

Equipment / Re: Optimal EFHW Configuration for Low Angle DX?

« on: June 16, 2024, 1630 UTC »

Anyway, do not overthink the antenna modelling for a simple wire HF antenna. Get the wire as high as possible for your deployment situation, and do not be concerned if there is a slight to even moderate slope towards whatever direction. Barring some type of antenna failure, you should be making lots of contacts as an amateur op.... or likewise receiving lots of stations if a SWL.

Thanks very much for the answers.  Much appreciated.  I got my full licence last year (M0LMG) although I have been an SWL since childhood, but it's not until you get on the air that you start thinking more about these things. 

I'm currently using an EFHW from UK Antennas.  It's arranged as a sloper, as we have a good size garden (by UK Standards), and there is a large tree at the end of the garden so I was able to set-up a pulley system.

https://www.ukantennas.co.uk/product/multi-band-with-bracket-40-20-15-10m/

Thanks again.

Peter M0LMG

2

Equipment / Re: Optimal EFHW Configuration for Low Angle DX?

« on: June 14, 2024, 1736 UTC »

It means a typical horizontal half-wavelength dipole antenna should be (if possible) mounted as high as it is long. To be more technical it is the half wavelength of the tuned frequency instead of the antenna's physical length.

Thanks so much for answering my dumb questions!  While I have you can I ask some more?

With the charts on the following page:

https://www.qsl.net/kk4obi/EFHW%20Sloping.html

Am I right in thinking that the red line is looking down from above at the radiation pattern, and the blue is showing from the side the area with the best gain?

I understand for long distance DX that a low take-off is good so you get longer distance via the F layer.

Can I also confirm that an EFHW at its lowest frequency acts like a dipole.  The reason I ask is that, if you read the following from the RSGB.  Actual page 7 of 32, but page number in book is 55.

https://www.rsgbshop.org/acatalog/PDF/Successful_Wire%20Ant_sample.pdf

It says that a sloping dipole can be good for long distance work. This seems to go against other stuff I've read in those links above.

Finally, do you know if the author of those QSL.net articles is still around?  The resolution of the graphics is hard to read, and there seem to be random non-ascii characters that pop into the text?

Best wishes

Peter

3

Equipment / Re: Optimal EFHW Configuration for Low Angle DX?

« on: June 12, 2024, 1911 UTC »

https://www.qsl.net/kk4obi/EFHW%20Sloping.html

Where the author says 'The general rule is to position an antenna is "as high as wide". ', do they mean at 45 degrees?  Thanks