Using antenna modelling and real-world experience, this video explores why long-haul DX depends so heavily on radiation angle, why low-angle radiation is difficult to achieve, and why antenna height matters far more than many people realise.
This is not about finding the “best” antenna. It’s about understanding what actually changes when we alter height, length, and geometry – and why frustration in amateur radio so often comes from using the right antenna at the wrong time.
All antennas discussed are practical, coax-fed, and easy to match at 50 ohms. Efficiency is not the argument here. The focus is purely on radiation behaviour and take-off angle.
Topics include:
– Radiation angle and take-off angle
– Vertical, dipole, and loop behaviour
– Benchmarking antennas at low angles
– Ground effects and coastal locations
– Noise on the low bands and receive-only antenna options
This is a stand-alone, long-form explanation intended to build understanding rather than offer shortcuts.
00:00 Intro
01:32 Radiation Angles
04:30 Benchmarking
05:17 Basic Propagation
06:20 Q/Wave Verticals
08:53 3/4 Wave Vertical
09:50 5/8 Vertical
10:55 1.75 Wavelength Vertical
11:28 Inverted L
12:17 Flat Top Dipoles
16:18 Inverted V DIpole
19:06 Z Shaped Dipoles
20:46 Current Distribution Verticals
21:17 Verticals by the ocean
22:44 Small Multiband Loops
26:30 Multi Wavlength Loops
28:29 160m MEGA Loop
31:02 Vertical Monoband Loop
34:23 EFHW Thoughts
35:25 Conclusions
37:45 Low Band Noise Options
40:04 Final Constuction Tips