[Elecraft] Random length wire for use with KX3

[Ron D'Eau Claire]

And another important reason, especially for those who use the 44 foot
vertical. 44 feet is just about 5/8 wavelengths on 10 meters. Making the
vertical longer than 5/8 wavelengths quickly rises the main lobe above the
horizon (right angles to the radiator) so you no longer have the main lobe
at the optimum DX angle. Note that is *not* a problem on the bands below 28
MHz since the antenna is less than 5/8 wavelengths long there. 

It even plays an important role with an 88 foot doublet erected
horizontally. If it is made longer the shift in lobes starts producing a
significant lobe that points straight up, robbing signal from the optimum DX
angles on 10 meters. 

IIRC, Moxon, who touted that antenna as his favorite "all band" wire antenna
design, goes into this in some detail in his book "HF Antennas for All
Locations"

73 Ron AC7AC

-----Original Message-----
From: elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net
[mailto:elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Don Wilhelm
Sent: Friday, November 09, 2012 4:12 PM
To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Random length wire for use with KX3

There is a reason for the 43 foot vertical - alternately the 44 foot each
side of center antenna advocated by Cebik (SK).  It is not resonant on any
amateur band and the impedance range can be handled by most tuners.

So if you are putting up a vertical, I would recommend a 43 or 44 foot
antenna with a 43 or 44 foot radial (or several radials).  If a dipole, use
44 feet on each side of the antenna feedpoint.  If you do not need
80 meter coverage, go for the 22 feet on each side of the dipole.

73,
Don W3FPR