Subj : Antenna To : MIKE ROSS From : TOM WALKER Date : Thu Jul 07 2005 09:29 am 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" --- þ SLMR 2.1a þ This note from El Cajon California USA * Origin: Try Our Web Based QWK: DOCSPLACE.ORG (1:123/140) .