[DX] dipole vs horiz. loop for low band DXing

[n4kg@juno.com]

ANY horizontally polarized antenna at 1/4 Wavelength (WL)
or less in height will radiate primarily straight UP.

If you cannot place a horizontally polarized antenna
for 40M at least 50 ft high, you would be better off
with a GOOD  VERTICAL  antenna which also requires
at least 30 radials, preferably 1/4 WL long.

See any good Antenna Book such as the ARRL
Antenna Handbook for ground reflection coefficents
vs height and plots of horizontally polarized antenna
patterns in the vertical plane.

I like the MFJ 1792 80 / 40 vertical which is full size
on 40M with a TOP isolating / loading coil and top hat
for 80M.  It is reasonably priced around $160.

BASE Loaded verticals (HF2V, HF6V) etc
have the LEAST efficient loading for 80M.

Tom  N4KG  (RF Engineer, DXer, Contester)




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