AD> # <-- mast
AD> #
AD> #     _
AD> #    ( )
AD> #####I I <-- folded dipole
AD> #    (_)
AD> #     _
AD> #    ( )
AD> #####I I <-- folded dipole
AD> #    (_)
AD> #
CB> The mast is part of the support for the dipoles....also in the
CB> arrangement you showed, the mast is being used a reflector with
CB> both dipoles pointing the same direction...this adds 3db to the
CB> signal....SO the gain of the above antenna would be 6db IN the
CB> DIRECTION of the dipoles and 0 at the sides and -3 off the back
CB> side.... 4 dipoles are placed around the mast at 90 degree
CB> placements to give a circular pattern of 6db..
CB>
   Thanks for the reply Chris...  If i put 4 dipoles around the mast
   at 90 degree placement,  this would give me 3db and 8 dipoles
   would give me 6db circular pattern?  Should the dipoles be 1/4 wave
   from the mast?  Also, do you know how they couple these dipoles to
   one feedline?
CB>
CB> The mast DOES provide lightning protection to the antenna dipoles
CB> since it is taller....and of coruse it is used to support them as
CB> well...so it has 3 functions overall..
CB>
CB> BEST bet to protect your radio during lightning?? UNPLUG THE COAX
CB> and power cord! There is NO 100% safe way with it connected to the
CB> outside world!
CB>
   I've heard stories about lightning coming down the coax even when
   the coax were disconnected from the radio.  A large sparks would
   leave the connector to say a grounded wall outlet.  Could this be
   true or just an old CB/Ham radio myth?  Take care.
                                                    Alex...
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