HELP WITH DIPOLE!

[Stellasarat]

I purchased my first dipole. After 42 years on and off the air it's the first time I live in a place where it is much easier for me to us a wire dipole. It's an 11 meter dipole. I will be stringing it up out side. I'm basically looking to string it in a configuration that will give me the best local transceiving. Ideas for the roof trees between poles ect ect ect. All and any advice you can give me will be greatly fappreciated. Thanks. Not stella

 

[Beetle]

Put it up at least 20-30 feet in the air and clear of metallic objects (and as far from power lines as you can reasonably get). Make it easy to move attachment points and reconnect in a different direction and see what works best. You haven't given us much information, so this is just what I would do.

 

[tshows]

Try putting it up in an inverted V configuration and see how that works for you. Mine does a reasonably good job considering it is in the attic above my garage. No outdoor antenna allowed thanks to the HOA...

 

[Stellasarat]

11 meter dipole on my roof?

If I install it on my roof which is an inverted v can I lay it right on top of the roof or does it have to be raised above it? If so what material do I raise it with and whats the minimum hight I can get away with? I have tall pines behind my home. If I string it horizontaly can It be touching any branches or must it be clear except for the attached ends? Thanks for your time and input. NotStella

 

[W5LZ]

If you are mainly interested in local stuff, and since most of your local stations will be vertically polarized, hang that dipole vertically. That doesn't mean it's only for local stuff, it'll work fine for further stations too, at least as well as other vertical antennas. The differences in what you can hear with opposite polarization, vert and horizontal, is a big one. It'd be nice to get the thing as high as possible/practical too.
If you position it horizontally you will be a lot better off if it's not laying on anything. Get it as far from anything else as possible.
You might also get used to the idea that adjusting a dipole, or tuning it, is just one of the things you have to do. If it works 'right out of the box' you are very lucky.
Have fun.
- 'Doc

 

[Stellasarat]

Tsshows bettle n doc. Thank u very much for your time and advice. I m greatfull for your input. The problem is is I'm disabled and I will b able to install it its gonna b a major problem to keep trying to get it right. I'm hoping like u said " lucky right out of the box". If not it will most likely stay where it is. If it dosnt work out I'm gonna go with A 99. Although I can put an antenna I wanted to go incognito. It may be my only option. Ill let u all know how it gose. Thank u gentlmen very much. NotStella.

 

[nosepc]

I think the best is to put the L-shaped dipole.

good luck.

 

[Stellasarat]

Please exsplain the L configuration. Another question. How should the feed line be installed? Can it run horizontal to the main antenna wires? Or should it be hung on a pole stretched away? Example. If I hang it horizontaly should the feed be installed in a T configureation? and how wiill I do this in other configureations? Maybe someone could send me drawings of the correct different configureations. Thank u so much for your information and time. Not Stella

 

[Beetle]

For any dipole, whether horizontal, vertical or inverted vee, the feedline must come away from the antenna at as close to a 90° angle as possible. Usually fairly easy to do with horizontal dipoles but next to impossible for many vertical dipole installations.

 

[2RT307]

I don't know what your budget is... but you say you have tall pine trees behind your house. I'd use them. Since you said you're disabled, I'm assuming you have a hard time putting the antenna up. I'd find a friend on the radio that will help you get it up in the trees. Lots of ways to get it up there... from slingshots to tying a rock to fishing line. Or, buy an A99 and put it in the tree. I did that for years, and it worked great. Then use the dipole as a horizontal antenna for dx.

73,
RT307