Multi-Band Dipole

The HF antenna that I use is a multi-band ("fan") dipole. I have the space for a full size 80m dipole and hanging the other band dipoles on it was not a big deal. Since it is rather difficult to get at when mounted in its normal location, it was tuned at about six feet high, using an MFJ antenna tuner.

It was advertised as covering 15m as well as 80, 40, 20 and 10, but never seemed to be a good match on that band. As far as the other bands go ... well, no.

I recently treated myself to a RigExpert antenna analyzer, so after checking out my GP9 VHF/UHF antenna, I took a look at the HF antenna. The overview is the plot to the left. Actually not bad. 15m is about what I expected - usable with a tuner the others pretty good - all benefitting from a tweak from the tuner at the band edges. 10m is a bit of a disappointment. But again, usable with the tuner and with conditions on that band being what they have been for the last few years, not worth the effort of doing anything different.

Click on the photo to enlarge.

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