[Elecraft] Inverted L for 160 meters

[kevinr]

 From what I can find, and what I can calculate, five wires, each ~130 
feet long, could make a nice inverted L for 160 meters.  One leg for the 
vertical and horizontal portion of the antenna.  Four legs for the 
counterpoise (ground plane).  There are many broken wire antennas stored 
in my shed which are fodder for the radials. Do all of the legs for the 
counterpoise need to be 1/4 wavelength or can I substitute some shorter 
lengths?  The feedpoint should somewhere above 50 ohms impedance.  As I 
add more radials that number will reach 50 ohms asymptotically.

I can get the vertical part up to 70 or 80 feet above ground with the 
rest of it horizontal.  Most of the radiation should take place from the 
vertical part since it is closer to the feed point.  But there should be 
some effect from the direction of the horizontal portion.  How strongly 
does the direction of the horizontal portion effect the radiation 
pattern of the antenna system?  My property allows me to point it from 
300 degrees around to 200 degrees so I have plenty of options.  Between 
200 and 300 degrees there is a road used by loggers, and the folks 
maintaining the towers at the top of this mountain.  They can break any 
antenna lower than 80 feet above ground.  Spar poles and cranes clear 
out any dead limbs across the road.

Inquiring minds...

Kevin.  KD5ONS