[Elecraft] [QRP-L] Antennas and trees

[Paul Heller]

Martin Gillen wrote:

>I retuned the antenna system with my KX1 autotuner
>after each switchover.  I did not check the effect
>of the tree on the impedance characteristics but I
>did conclude that the leafs and branches had an
>effect on the effective radiated power.  I theorise
>that this effect is due to absorbtion of the RF
>energy by the nearby leafs and branches.
>
That's consistent with my  experience - I have 8 wire antennas up at two 
locations, all in or between tall trees.  The antennas that are 
surrounded by leaves work very well in the winter, poorly most of the 
summer, and not well at all if the leaves are wet.  The antennas that 
are in the clear  work well year round.  Leaves are definitely good 
attenuators ;-)

/Paul
 W3PH

-- 
Paul Heller
ph at his.com