Tyying to understand parallel dipoles.
Jul 22nd 2017, 14:32 | |
AC2MMJoined: Jan 28th 2014, 12:43Total Topics: 0 Total Posts: 0 |
Hello, I have looked through all my ARRL books on parallel dipoles for this answer, and can't locate the answer to my question. I am very impressed with the quality of the Alpha Delta product line, and I must say up front that the people to whom I've asked this at Alpha Delta have really tried to answer my questions, but I still don't understand. (probably age ) They make a multi-frequency product called their DX-EE, which allows you to use 40/20/15/ and 10 M bands, all using parallel wires (with separators) coming to a common feed point at the center. What makes this product different is it's use of coils on the 40M line, reducing the overall total length to a little over 40 ft. This is ideal for those whose space is limited, and this is what this product is marketed for. So I wrote a letter asking them if they would make me a similar product using all their top-quality materials, but without the coils and making the 40M top line a full 1/2 wave 66 ft long. They replied that although they don't, at this time, make custom versions, that it would not work unless I used the fan dipole method which is also found in various ARRL publications. This is what I don't understand. Using their Current DX-EE product design, the parallel wires apparently cause no coupling or resonance problems. Yet when I want to remove the coils and go to a 1/2 wave version on these frequencies, I now will have an unworkable situation unless I use the fan dipole techniques. (which I can't do in my new back yard) The only comments I have been able to find, on EHam I believe, that this type of design narrows your usable range, whereas using the standard 1/2 wave technique broadens the usable range for a low SWR. Will someone please explain why I can't use two wires connected to a common feed point separated to construct a parallel dipole for at least 40M and 20M bands without using these coils? Thank you, Robert |
Jul 23rd 2017, 10:17 | |
WA0CBWJoined: Apr 4th 1998, 00:00Total Topics: 0 Total Posts: 0 |
How does the Alpha Delta differ from the fan dipole other than the loading coils to shorten the 40 meter band? Bill |
Jul 24th 2017, 15:18 | |
W1VTSuper Moderator Joined: Apr 4th 1998, 00:00Total Topics: 0 Total Posts: 0 |
The same wire is used for both 20 and 40 meters. There are additional dipoles connected in parallel for 15 and 10 meters. Adding coils to a dipole shifts the harmonic resonances of that dipole. Zack W1VT ARRL Senior Lab Engineer |