Antenna mast question

[artbaker]

Can anyone explain why, all other things being equal, a TM100 on a ten foot metal mast doesn't perform as well as a TM100 on a five foot metal mast?

[Mark W]

Amazingly enough it is simply due to the proximity of the antenna to the ground, which acts as a sort of "reflector" to the RF field. Typically an antenna is placed more than 10 meters up to reduce this effect more and keep your antenna tuned.

Just keep your eye peeled for the PM10DC small-signal RF power meter (July-August) to help you adjust antennas!

[artbaker]

Thanks for your reply. Microbroadcasting is so Zen.

[MrRadio]

Hey Mark W -- you made my day! Ramsey's coming out with a small-signal RF power meter?! Well sign me up! That's one piece of equipment I really was hoping for ... Thanks!
Rich