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C h a p t e r 6 : D i p o l e s a n d D o u b l e t s 193<br />

Figure 6.9 Continued.<br />

S R I<br />

Space permitting, some operators like to arrange four sloping dipoles from the same<br />

mast such that they point in different directions around the compass (Fig. 6.10). A single<br />

four-position coaxial switch midway up the center support facilitates switching a directional<br />

beam around the compass to favor four different compass headings. If the coaxial<br />

cables to the four-position switch are of identical length that is chosen based on whether<br />

the remote switch short-circuits the unused cables or leaves them open, additional frontto-back<br />

rejection (in the order of 10 dB) from<br />

the three idle slopers is possible.<br />

I<br />

(Top view)<br />

I<br />

I<br />

S<br />

R<br />

I<br />

I<br />

R<br />

S<br />

Mast<br />

I<br />

I R S<br />

Coaxial switch<br />

halfway up mast<br />

To equipment<br />

I = Insulator<br />

S = Support Stake<br />

R = Rope<br />

Broadbanded Dipoles<br />

One of the rarely discussed aspects of antenna<br />

construction is that the length/diameter<br />

ratio of the conductor used for the<br />

antenna element is a factor in determining<br />

the bandwidth of the antenna. In general, a<br />

larger cross-sectional area makes the antenna<br />

more broadbanded. When mechanical<br />

considerations permit, this suggests the<br />

use of aluminum tubing instead of copper<br />

wire for the antenna radiator. In fact, on 14<br />

MHz and above, that is almost always the<br />

Figure 6.10 Directional antenna made of four<br />

slopers (top view).

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