In addition, a general rule is that anything behind the reflector element doesn't exist from the antenna's perspective. You can use this to remove all the ground effects when adjusting an antenna for SWR, etc. by aiming it straight up.
Greg KO6TH
Gary via AMSAT-BB wrote:
The short answer is almost never. Here is a link to an AMSAT Symposium paper form antenna guru Kent Britain, wa5vjb (inventor of the famous cheap yagis). He actually measured the effects. http://www.kk0sd.net/metalboom/metalboom.htm
73, Joe kk0sd
-----Original Message----- From: AMSAT-BB amsat-bb-bounces@amsat.org On Behalf Of Cathryn Mataga via AMSAT-BB Sent: Monday, December 30, 2019 3:27 PM To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] When exactly is a non-conductive mast necessary?
I'm trying to understand, under what circumstances is a non-conductive mast necessary at VHF/UHF frequencies. Thinking of the following installs.
Circular polarized antenna mounted to the mast at the center of the boom. This is clear, see this advice all the time, fiberglass mast.
Same antenna but mounted at the rear end of the boom.
Vertical Yagi, elements parallel to a vertical mast, mounted at the center of the boom. I guess, non-conductive wold be required here.
Same antenna but rear mounted.
Horizontal Yagi, elements perpendicular to a vertical mast, mounted at the center of the boom. I think this is pretty normal install, so a conductive mast would be okay?
Same antenna but mounted at the rear of the boom.
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