I'm sure there are many folks who get along well with fan dipoles. There's something to be said for resonant antennas. However,
1. Mine was ugly. I am not above an ugly antenna, as anyone who has seen many of the antennas I've built knows, but for a first time out of the chute project it wasn't anything I wanted anyone to see.
2. It had gotten old already being asked numerous times what my call is, and to repeat my name, and getting at best 44 signal reports, or worse. I made a 1/4 wave gp of chicken wire that did that well.
3. Tuning up all the bands worked ok, ears were pretty good, but I couldn't break up any pileups. If I had 100 watts in the wire on 11 meters I would hold my own. I know the wavelengths are different, and losses and radiation pattern are affected by earth proximity, yet, I want to minimize losses where I can. Some kind of twin lead/ladder line feed line seems to be a step "in the right direction", as said.
I know the entire system from the back of the transciever thru the aerial is my antenna system, so I seek to maximize my systems compatibility in its parts given my height, space, and pocketbook limitations.
I will make a K1JJ tuner - soon.
Oh, why are all the internet drawings of the fan dipole so neat and pretty? When the wind blew mine resembled the scattering of blackbirds by a shotgun blast... that's imbarasking.
