This is a reprint from several years ago
Many compromise antennas are the 6 to 12 foot variety. The Buddistick, SuperAntenna MP1, REZ Antennas Ranger 80, JNC Radio MC-750, Pac-12, and a Chameleon (it has various variants) all offer a short antenna with multi band capability.
The key to these antennas is to have an elevated counterpoise. I have done several Field Strength Readings in the field and in a controlled location to try to understand if there is any directionality to its placement.
YES I have found that there is!
Point it towards the station you are trying to work. There is noticeable improvement in the transmit signal that it would be worth the effort to locate the counterpoise accordingly.
I dont think I am seeing much in the way of reception of signals.
A gain of 3 db is the equivalent of doubling or reducing by half your power.
PLEASE NOTE THE COUNTERPOISE WILL WORK A WHOLE LOT BETTER IF IT IS ELEVATED. THESE ANTENNAS SHOULD SIT 3 FT OR MORE OFF THE GROUND WITH THE CP AT LEAST 1 FT OR MORE OFF THE GROUND. I USE A FIBERGLASS ROD TO KEEP IT OFF THE GROUND. I USE SEVERAL IF ITS A LONG CP (32′).
THIS REDUCES THE GROUND LOSSES WHERE IF THE CP IS ON THE GROUND YOU ARE BASICALLY RADIATING INTO THE GROUND.
THE CP IS BASICALLY THE OTHER HALF OF THE ANTENNA AND IT WILL RADIATE A SIGNAL ACCORDINGLY.
ADJUSTING ITS LENGTH WILL ALSO IMPACT THE SWR
NOW IN 2022, AFTER FURTHER EXPERIMENTATION HOWEVER, I HAVE FOUND THAT HAVING AN ADDITIONAL WIRE ALSO IMPROVES THE SIGNALS. THIS IS SET UP AS A VEE POINTING TOWARDS THE DIRECTION YOU WANT.
1 wire counterpoise
2 wire separated by a 45-60 degree angle seems to work best
ve3ips 