[Antennas] top hat for vertical

Thu Dec 30 17:51:19 EST 2004

Re:
> So I am wondering how effective a 'top hat' would be if it is located
> half way up the vertical. Any loading that will allow me to reduce the
> height of the vertical would be welcome. I just don't have a feel for
> how much height I can sacrifice with a 'top hat' located at the center
> of the antenna.

I believe top loading anywhere than the top is detrimental, because antenna 
current that would be going the whole length of the antenna will be diverted 
to the loading wires, reducing effective height, radiation, and efficiency.
Richard Brunner, AA1P 