[Antennas] Inductively loaded Dipole vs. Zig-Zag Dipole

[David Kelley]

Ernie,

I don't think you would see a major performance difference between a loaded 
dipole or a zig-zag dipole.  If it were me, I would go with the zig-zag 
simply because it would be easier to build and put up, and because the real 
part of its input impedance might be closer to 50 Ohms (i.e., a bit easier 
to match).  However, as someone else has said, if you're interested in DX 
performance you should go with a vertical radiator.  A 40-ft high dipole 
operated at 160 meters will act a lot like an NVIS antenna.  That is, most 
of your contacts will be with the eastern US and perhaps some of the 
Caribbean islands.

73,
Dave NB4J

>I have about 140 feet between two trees to put up a 160 meter antenna. 
>Would really appreciate the benefit of  experiences and opinions as to 
>what might be better option for general purpose 160 antenna.
>
>A) Inductively loaded short dipole 140 feet long, 40 feet high (loading 
>coils in middle of legs). (feed with 450 ohm ladder line.)
>
>B) Zig-Zag dipole 240 feet long, 140 feet in street line 40 feet high, and 
>ends bent sideways and down. (feed with 450 ohm ladder line)
>
>In net, am I better off using loading coils on shorter antenna, or bending 
>the longer antenna to fit space?
>
>TNX & 73
>
>--
>Ernie, k0occ
>Atlanta, GA

--
David F. Kelley, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Electrical Engineering Dept.
Bucknell University
Lewisburg, PA 17837
(570) 577-1313
dkelley at bucknell.edu