11 Feb 2015 – Using a VDA on a Scottish Beach, Pt.1. – Malcolm Hamilton GM3TAL

Malcolm Hamilton GM3TAL talked about “Using a Vertical Dipole Array on a Scottish Beach”

at the LRS meeting on Feb 11th.

The vertical dipole array (VDA) has become the de facto antenna of choice for many DXpeditions to remote oceanic islands. The reasons why these antennas work well were discussed along with a brief review of the way that 2 element arrays operate.

Malcolm wanted to discover whether the VDA would work in other locations and to understand at first-hand what is needed in practice for successful operation. He described the practical construction and use of VDA antennas with Nick Henwood G3RWF (shortly after his talk to the LRS on Nov 26th) on the shores of Loch Fyne during the CQWW contest in November 2014. Malcolm reported on the outcome and offered hints for others who might be tempted to use this interesting antenna.

In January 2022, Malcolm gave Part 2 of this talk, describing another expedition to Loch Fyne with Nick Henwood G3RWF for the CQWW Contest in 2021. Click for report.

The following is a selection of Malcolm’s slides, with his kind permission.

 

 

 

 

The VDA has been used successfully by many DXpeditions.

 

Eat your heart out!

 

 

 

 

 

 Low-angle radiation is the secret (isn’t it always)!

 

 

 

 Nick Henwood G3RWF (who spoke to the LRS recently) with his VDA for the CQWW CW contest in November,  operated in collaboration with Malcolm GM3TAL (separate stations).

 

 

 Malcolm described various techniques that he used successfully in constructing his VDAs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

Malcolm demonstrated some of the properties of the VDA with a scale model. 

 

 … and this one, made from “elwire”- electroluminescent – even lights up!

Many thanks to Malcolm for a very informative and entertaining presentation.

 

 

Scroll to Top