Wire Antennas, Take-Off Angles, Radiation - and Why DX Is Hard
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
Antenna Compromises Explained: Why Tuners Are Essential #shorts
Hams call antennas a ‘compromise’ – but isn’t everything? Houses, relationships… Spend thousands narrowing focus, or embrace versatility with tuners. Which path do you choose?
👉 Full Video: https://youtu.be/wMxuWOZV41M
Today’s Station:
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First 50 Customers
We’ve come a long way since walking up hill both ways to the FCC office! Nick N1CCK of the HRCC VE Team joins me to talk about how effective their methods of amateur radio testing has become. You can sign up now for an HRCC VE session here: https://testwithhrcc.online/
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Is Ham radio truly welcoming to newcomers and fresh ideas, or does gatekeeping and resistance to change hold the hobby back? In this video, we dive deep into the real experiences of new hams in 2026—exploring everything from friendly "Elmer" mentors who guide beginners, to stories of grumpy old-timers, club snobbery, and unwelcoming attitudes on repeaters and forums.
Whether you’re thinking about getting your Technician license, already a new ham feeling intimidated, or a longtime operator wondering how to make the hobby more inclusive—this honest discussion uncovers the good, the bad, and the hopeful side of amateur radio today.
If you’re new to ham radio, curious about the community drama, or passionate about keeping the hobby alive for future generations, hit play and join the conversation!
Today’s video is sponsored by M&P Coax – use code HR2CABLES to save 10% off of all products at this link – https://geni.us/hr2cables
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Thanks for watching!
Made specifically for the Yaesu FTX-1F, the mAT-1F is everything the Yaesu FC-80 should have been. Small, light weight, all metal chassis, 160-6 meters, 5-1500 ohms impedance range, 10 watts SSB, CW, Digital, and is controlled 100% by the FTX-1F. No buttons, no battery needed, it’s powered by the radio, and it kicks butt! I tested this with a 4:1, 2 9:1’s, a random piece of wire, and a road side guard rail. Passed with flying carpets!
⭐️Where to purchase? These Will Be Available at DX Engineering Soon. The Order Has Already Been Placed.
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ATU-10: The Tiny Tuner That Outperforms ATU-100! #shorts
This tiny ATU-10 auto tuner beats the massive AH-705! It detects mismatch, signals the radio, and tunes up without mode changes. Perfect for QRP radios, a major win for ease of use.
👉 Full Video: https://youtu.be/wMxuWOZV41M
Today’s Station:
👉 ATU-10 QRP Antenna Tuner: https://geni.us/oCQUdmi
$69.99 with coupon code: BG8d68fb
First 50 Customers
@mikesawyer1336 wants to know if he can make a tuned circuit out of a counterpoise. Is this possible or effective?
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Videographed and Edited by Teagan Kulbeth, KF0UTR
#amateur radio
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#general license
#extra license
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#ke0og
#dave casler
#ham radio answers
#icom 7300
#antenna
#dipole
#end fed dipole
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#magnetic loop antennas
To learn more about me, visit: https://dcasler.com
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To pose an Ask Dave question, email to askdave@arrl.org. Feel free to include pictures or drawings to help clarify. I may answer your question directly, via an Ask Dave video, or in my monthly column "Ask Dave" in QST.
Theme music is "Sour Tennessee Red," by John Deley and the 41 Players, courtesy YouTube Music Library. You can listen to the entire song here: https://youtu.be/Vfc9sAQjJtc
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Thanks to my sweet wife, Loretta, KBØVWW, for both audio and video assistance! (Her website is www.aldea-art.com.)
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The #cw #sidetone isn’t mentioned much these days, but all modern rigs and many older ones provide you with a sidetone. Here it’s shown with several types of sidetone.
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Links from Video:
Videographed and Edited by Teagan Kulbeth, KF0UTR
#amateur radio
#ham radio
#technician license
#general license
#extra license
#ham radio training
#ke0og
#dave casler
#ham radio answers
#icom 7300
#antenna
#dipole
#end fed dipole
#mag loop
#magnetic loop antennas
To learn more about me, visit: https://dcasler.com
To support my channel financially, visit: https://dcasler.com/support (offers several options)
To pose an Ask Dave question, email to askdave@arrl.org. Feel free to include pictures or drawings to help clarify. I may answer your question directly, via an Ask Dave video, or in my monthly column "Ask Dave" in QST.
Theme music is "Sour Tennessee Red," by John Deley and the 41 Players, courtesy YouTube Music Library. You can listen to the entire song here: https://youtu.be/Vfc9sAQjJtc
I use drawings from OpenClipArt.org, including the "walking man"
Thanks to my sweet wife, Loretta, KBØVWW, for both audio and video assistance! (Her website is www.aldea-art.com.)
My primary website: http://www.dcasler.com
My publishing website: http://www.mtsneffelspress.com, where you can find my fantasy and science fiction books.
My Amazon author page, which lists my print and Kindle books: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00471I0Q4.
