10/11m Dipole

Just about to put up a Dipole for 10/11m as no access to those bands since I took my A99 down end of last year, where my Qth is were open to extreme winds and even the A99 took a battering. Been out and sorted out where its going, other antennas up (2m and 40m Loop Radio Amateur). Dipole is going up in the inverted V configuration so we'll see how that works out at approx 18ft height. For the odd occasion for listening I connect up the 40m loop and thats got some range.

I'll report back how the inverted V works out, I'd like a  bit more height but not really possible, but being the second highest spot in Cornwall at 720ft above sea level it could work out ok ?

Given the advantageous location and 1/2 wave feed point mount that should do fine on a good day. Your QTH should reinforce the low angle emissions.

You know 10 and 11 though, hard work unless it is not hard work, then it seems anything is possible, key up and you have a queue forming.

Being an inverted V horizontal it'll probably be a bit directional. I am sure it will be good fun.

A sizable amount of my 10/11m contacts have been made on an inverted V dipole. My QTH is only half the ASL height of yours and mounted indoors in my loft, so I think there's a good chance it will work very well for you for DX. Local contacts will depend on what polarization they are using obviously.

Dipole is up at around 14ft in a Inverted V configuration and working very well. Portugal and Holland coming in strong. SWR is 1.2 in the 40UK/EU and 10m its workable at 1.6:1.

Impressive results

If you find that impressive good for you. I think it is however reasonable to offer perspective and many will agree. I think that is easily possible on anything given strong sporadic E conditions. Babis3G on here is doing those, probable E layer contacts with a Sirio Boomerang and I think about 5 Watts and on FM.

See how it does on the 3,500 - 10,000 miles DX SSB phone that's the test of an antenna for DX.

Beyond being already satisfied. Knowing what you really have is the only way to know whether you need a better set up to achieve your goals if you have any.

Glad it is working for you though. It's a good start.

Perspective and reference is very important with suggesting if an antenna is actually good or not. Otherwise we can present something as being good when it is actually very average. And that is important in the sense that it may give people a false expectation when it comes to performance. 

That can put people off the hobby if their expectations are not quickly met.

And on 10m expectations are never quickly met, even with a very good antenna
as it is a hard band to work with single wire antennas and radio power alone.

Good luck and hope you stack the DX up !

If it works for you Dave that's all that matters.
You will always get some negative comments but hopefully not many.
Been making my own aerials for a couple of years or more and had some strange comments but they work for me and the odd one for others.
Enjoy your radio in anyway you like.

Is perspective on the antenna you are using relative to performance of others / conditions negative ? Or is it merely informative ?

Perspective might it help you find/DIY/ install work out a way of making a better antenna that will increase the number and quality of the DX you are likely to make.

I would personally say that not understanding that there are possibly better options and being ignorant of them is negative. Being stuck in a specific viewpoint that is unchanging and inflexible without input from broad sources is arguably negative.

Ultimately to label things as negative is a way of attempting to shut down debate and that reduces possibilities, options, and differing thought.

Different views can, should and will exist. Otherwise you end up where ?

Not to mention that I tempered my thoughts with hoping that it works out for the poster, yet that was ignored and lumped in as "negative" commentary.

Most hams make their own antennas at some stage, that's quite normal. And it is possible that enjoying your radio in anyway you like it can include making an all round more successful station.

The Dipole is a replacement for the A99 I've had up for about 15 years and because were open to the elements at 700+ feet ASL at Cornwalls second highest point (1st is Brown Whilly on Bodmin Moor) it took a battering and due to housing restrictions, it wasn't possible to put another up. Early days yet to judge a back to back with the A99, but I'll report back in due time thanks.

Bands not in great shape but had a couple of contacts into Europe 5/7 reports, so pleased under current conditions.

Technician wrote:

Just about to put up a Dipole for 10/11m as no access to those bands since I took my A99 down end of last year, where my Qth is were open to extreme winds and even the A99 took a battering. Been out and sorted out where its going, other antennas up (2m and 40m Loop Radio Amateur). Dipole is going up in the inverted V configuration so we'll see how that works out at approx 18ft height. For the odd occasion for listening I connect up the 40m loop and thats got some range.

I'll report back how the inverted V works out, I'd like a  bit more height but not really possible, but being the second highest spot in Cornwall at 720ft above sea level it could work out ok ?

My furthest confirmed contact with the 1/2 MAAS DP-27 dipole from Germany was New Caledonia (That happens only once in a lifetime   ) .
Currently, I have a coax dipole, and with it, I've managed to reach as far as Jordan.
I use a dipole as a balcony antenna; my balcony faces north, and on the western side, there are mountains. All in all, it's a very poor position, but somehow I manage.
I assume it would work much better in an open space.
Otherwise, it's a compromise at the expense of local connections.
If you have the conditions for installation, you could also consider a Moxon antenna; that would be much better.