[Elecraft] 43 Ft Vertical and Elecraft Tuners

[Ron D'Eau Claire]

An interesting point I noticed modeling a 43 foot vertical was that, while
on 10 meters the main lobe is up around 50 degrees, the "gain" at low angles
is similar to a 1/4 wave "ground plane" antenna cut for 10 meters. That's
because the longer antenna has significant gain over a 1/4 wave antenna so
the amount of radiation down at the lower angles is about the same as a 1/4
wave. 

That's for a ground mounted 1/4 wave on 10 meters. Ideally you want to raise
the 10 meter vertical at least 1/2 wavelength - roughly 16 feet - then you
get much better low angle radiation from the 1/4 wave because the ground
absorbs much less of the lowest angle radiation. Installed that way, the 1/4
wave shines over the 43 footer. Also, of course, there is less interference
with the signal by foliage, buildings, etc. 

That's why so-called "vertical ground plane" antennas are so popular on the
higher HF bands. 

73, Ron AC7AC