[Antennas] Antenna Balls

Tue, 24 Jun 2003 04:36:59 +0000

<
"What is the purpose of the little ball at the end of a mobile antenna?
  I know of that the ball is there is for static dissipation/control and
improve the antenna efficiency by not ending the antenna in an abrupt point"
> 

   IMMO it is there for 3 reasons.
  1. eliminate the point that can cause:
			a. chrona
			b. start a lightning streamer

  2. eliminate the point that can puncture someone's eye.

  3. reduce the physical "Q" of the springy metal, reducing mechanical vibration
     from the rapid movement

   BTW you could buy aluminum balls with a set screw to replace missing balls in
the past.
-- 
        73 (= Best Regards) de: Ron [email protected]
     100% Slack. since July, 1997 (still free!) SENT D&T are UTC
        Visit my HAM Web SITE at: http://www.qsl.net/ka4inm