When operating near a body of water, what is the best place to mount an antenna?

While many amateur operators suggest placing the antenna directly in the water, this may not yield the most effective results. Bob Wilson, N6TV, conducted a test at the San Francisco Bay using a vertical antenna and a transmitter. With another operator monitoring the signal on an Elecraft K4 from several miles away, Bob moved the antenna to different locations at the water's edge. The strongest signal was recorded when the antenna was positioned 1/4 wavelength away from the water's edge.

Based on these findings, if you are operating from a beach where the tide changes the waterline, you should consider either moving the antenna or adjusting your frequency to maintain that 1/4 wavelength distance from the water.

Best regards,
73,

Robert "Bob" Pantazes, W2ARP
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A. Robert Pantazes, SBE CBT, Retired Broadcast Engineer from Broadcast Science.
E-mail address is W2ARP@arrl.net or robert.pantazes@gmail.com
Our new address as of March 1, 2024 is,
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Greensboro, NC 27410
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Amateur Radio Call is W2ARP, ARRL, W4VEC and Laurel certified Volunteer Examiner for Amateur Radio testing (Extra Class). Member of the Fort Myers Amateur Radio Club, the South Jersey DX Association as Treasurer. Past President of Southern Counties Amateur Radio Association (SCARA), Member of:ARRL, 10-10 Int, Chaverim of Delaware Valley, NAQCC,  Southern Counties Radio Association . Member of the Quarter Century Wireless Association, the Gloucester County Amateur Radio Club, the Greensboro Amateur Radio Association, the High Point Amateur Radio Club, Raleigh Amateur Radio Society, Guilford Amateur Society,QCWA Treasurer, QCWA Secretary of chapter 196 and member of Chapter 126.