Stewart, Just in case you haven't see ON7YD's excellent antenna page check it out at: http://www.qsl.net/on7yd/136ant.htm You will find details on sloping top hat wires under "Umbrella" antennas. My present antenna has 6 25 foot long top hat wires that are close to a 30 degree angle with the vertical wire. This seems to be the best performer I have ever used for the beacon. Dexter