[Elecraft] QRP Antenna

[Clark Macaulay]

I have enjoyed the occasional queries and responses from this august group on the subject of antennas and the answers have added greatly to my understanding.  I have yet to see much advice on the closeness of buildings, hence my query today.  This is a rather lengthy message, so if you'd like to skip it, I certainly understand.  
   
  Given that at QRP antenna considerations are paramount, I installed a commercial multiband inverted V at my QTH and have had poor results for DX. It looks like a Windom design with the feedpoint off-center and comes with a balun to allow for coax feed.  According to the specs, it should provide a match at 80, 40, 20, 17, 12, and 10, and the ATU within my K1 matches fine on 40, 20, and 17.  (I've also had no problems matching other rigs using their ATU to the other frequenccies).  I am using a low loss coax from Davis RF and the rig(s) are grounded to a ground rod just outside the shack.
   
  The apex of the antenna is about 40 ft with each leg at the approximate height about ground that the manufacturer's specs require.  It is strung in a NE/SW direction -- broadside to southern Africa.  The antenna seems to 'hear' fine; it's in the transmitting that it appears to be deficient. I've tried to check into the Elecraft net with no luck.  I tried to contact Peter One  (using 100W I must admit) with no luck at all times of the day and night.  
   
  Standing on my deck looking at the antenna and wondering what, if anything could I change, it occured to me that perhaps my problem is that the antenna is signficantly BELOW the houstop.  How can that be, you ask?  Well, here in Atlanta, I have what we call a 'ravine back yard'.  My house is below street level and the back yard has a deep slope.  The tree to which the antenna is strung is in the backyard and while the height above ground is 40', it is also at the eye level of my first floor (2 story house).  The longest leg of the V is well below the house level and actually facing (for half its length) the concrete basement that holds up the house.
   
  Sooooo.....how much impact on the take-off angle would you think this configuration would have?  Should I replace the V with a flat-top doublet at the same 40' height which would result in most of the antenna being at 40' but still below the roof level? 
   
  Thanks for any suggestions you have. 
   
  73,
   
  Clark Macaulay KE4RQ