[Elecraft] antenna question

[David A. Belsley]

Well, the ol' K2 has been very happy with my 40 meter extended double zepp 
with a transmatch. It has a flat top of about 175 feet, and it's done 
beautifully 160-10.   But one of the trees it is anchored to is 
disappearing.  My alternative gives me a stretch of roughly 145 feet max, 
probably 142 feet to play it safe.  Of course, half wave for the bottom of 
80 meters is roughly 137 feet.  My question is, given that I use a 
transmatch anyway, am I better off putting up 137 feet or 142?  I've often 
felt, "get up as much wire as you can."  But being so close to a half wave 
makes me wonder.  Any thoughts?

thanks,

dave belsley, w1euy

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David A. Belsley
Professor of Economics