MR> JB> Correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't a balanced design have a
MR> JB> 'virtual ground' roughly between the points that the wires diverge?

MR>Virtual means imaginary. It is just a mathematical curiosity.
MR>Grounding that point won't make a difference at all. Consider a
MR>balanced antenna in deep space, there is no ground to be found
MR>anywhere but it still works as well as on Earth. Now an unbalanced
MR>antenna can also work but it must be supplied an artificial ground or
MR>"counterpoise". This consists of at least 2 radials establishing a
MR>ground plane opposite the antenna. In effect the combination of
MR>unbalanced antenna and counterpoise behaves like a balanced antenna.
MR>Mobile antennas like CB's & taxis are a familiar example.

 How about Handhelds?? Most nowdays don't even have a Metal Chassis to
 Represent a "Floating Ground"
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 þ SLMR 2.1a þ This note from El Cajon California USA