I want to build a broadband dipole for 225-400 MHz reception using scrap material from a past project. The design is complete. Right now I am debating a single dipole vs a stacked configuration. With the right spacing the stacked version will give me around 3 dB more horizon gain than the single dipole. The mini circuits combiner I would use has about 0.3 dB insertion loss.
The trade off with the stacked configuration is a null in the pattern above the horizon. The angle varies with frequency between 30 (high freq) and 45 ( low freq) deg off the horizon. If I am thinking about this correctly, then that is a worthwhile trade for more horizon gain because any aircraft at those angles would be relatively short range and reception should not be a problem even in the null.
Any recommendations?
The trade off with the stacked configuration is a null in the pattern above the horizon. The angle varies with frequency between 30 (high freq) and 45 ( low freq) deg off the horizon. If I am thinking about this correctly, then that is a worthwhile trade for more horizon gain because any aircraft at those angles would be relatively short range and reception should not be a problem even in the null.
Any recommendations?