Long/random wire not tapped on the end

[scowl]

What would happen if a long/random wire antenna is tapped somewhere other than on the end? Would the two sides of the antenna cancel each other out?

 

[LtDoc]

I doubt if the two halves would 'cancel' each other, but I certainly can't predict what the results would be. Are you going top use a two conductor feed line, or single conductor? Just how long is the thing to start with and what percentage of it's length is the feed point at? What's the relationship between the antenna's total length and the wave length of the frequency(s) you'll be listening to? Lot's of variables...
- 'Doc

 

[scowl]

I know there are already lots of variables with and end-tapped wire antenna. The question is what new variables would I be introducing.

 

[ab5r]

Please define what you mean by "tapped in." Is you "random wire" fed with coax? By "tapping in" do you mean a solder join or clip-on?

I don't know if it would make any difference as you describe. If you cut the wire and attached the center connector of a coax to one section and the other section to the shield of the coax, then you have created a "dipole" antenna.

There again there are LOTS of variables unanswered. Google "dipole antennas" and read the differences

God luck.

 

[ka3jjz]

And just to throw something else into the mix, look up Windom antennas. They are fed roughly 1/3 of the way from one end...Mike

 

[scowl]

Please define what you mean by "tapped in." Is you "random wire" fed with coax? By "tapping in" do you mean a solder join or clip-on?

Can I say "electrically connected"? I don't think it makes a difference if I twist the lead in wire around the antenna, or solder it on, or connect it with a split bolt.

I'm using coax with the shield connected to ground.

I don't know if it would make any difference as you describe. If you cut the wire and attached the center connector of a coax to one section and the other section to the shield of the coax, then you have created a "dipole" antenna.

Yes, which has different characteristics than a long wire antenna and is not what I'm asking about.

 

[scowl]

And just to throw something else into the mix, look up Windom antennas. They are fed roughly 1/3 of the way from one end...Mike

This is what I'm talking about. Thanks!

 

[LtDoc]

A Windom (single conductor feed line), or an OCF dipole (two conductor/coax fed) are basically the same thing, sort of. The length of the feed line with the Windom antenna makes a lot of difference because a Windom antenna is a vertical antenna with a capacitive hat. An OCF dipole is just a dipole that has had it's feed point moved toward one end. The reason that's done, mostly, is because it changes the antenna's feed point impedance. The length of the dipole determines it's resonance, and also has harmonically related 'resonance' points at higher frequencies. A center fed dipole also has those same harmonically related 'resonance' points, the difference is in where the thing is fed and it's input impedance.
- 'Doc

 

[scowl]

As I said, I'm not asking about dipoles.