HA5CMG, Charlie writes "You can increase Radiation Efficiency (while reducing number of turns on your fixed centerloaded antenna coil or on the "screw driver" type of antennas) by installing a Top-Hat-Loop on your whip. From a welding supply buy half of dozen 1/16" dia. stainless or berilyum copper welding rods. In the vise or with a visegrip hold the top of the whip and the 1/16" dia. ss rod wind it around the whip 7 or more times tightly, the move down on the whip 6" or more grip them together, forming a loop, wind the ss rod tightly on the whip. Do this with minimum of three rods. Now you have a theoritical phasare about 6-12" diameter, depends on how much of the 3' ss rod you have used up. Proof of how well it works, count the number of the turns you are using on 80 M or 40M. Versus before the Top-Hat-Loop installed. Note this will effect the 10M band due to the effective lenght of the whip is now much longer. References in ARRL Antenna Handbook, page 16--1 to 16-15 Pix available for the asking. Best 73's and have a gret mobile-ing Day. Check out my website. Charlie, VE7BOC/W6 (HA5CMG) <A HREF="http://www.qth.com/stealthantennas"> Stealth Antennas</A>"
