Is the End Fed Half Wave Vertically or Horizontally Polarized?
An end-fed halfwave (EFHW) antenna can be either vertically or horizontally polarized, depending on how it is deployed. The polarization is determined by the orientation of the radiating element, not by the feed point location or the fact that it’s end-fed.
Vertical vs. Horizontal Polarization for EFHW Antennas
- Vertical Orientation: If the EFHW is deployed vertically, such as hanging from a tree or a mast, it will be vertically polarized. This setup is often used when limited space is available or when you want to maximize low-angle radiation, which is beneficial for DX (long-distance) communications.
- Horizontal Orientation: If the antenna is deployed horizontally, such as strung between two supports like trees or poles, it will be horizontally polarized. This is typical for NVIS (Near Vertical Incidence Skywave) applications and for general multiband use when installed at a height above ground.
- Sloping or Inverted-L Configurations: In these setups, the antenna exhibits mixed polarization. The vertical section will contribute to vertical polarization, while the horizontal section contributes to horizontal polarization, providing a blend of both.
Considerations for Vertical Polarization
- Ground Effects: Vertically polarized antennas are more susceptible to ground losses, so minimizing ground absorption with a proper counterpoise or a good grounding system can enhance performance.
- Low Angle of Radiation: Vertical polarization tends to favor lower radiation angles, which is ideal for DXing, especially on the higher HF bands (20m and above).
- Noise Pickup: Vertical antennas generally pick up more man-made noise compared to horizontal antennas, which can be a consideration if operating in noisy environments.
In summary, an EFHW can be vertically polarized if deployed vertically, but the actual polarization depends on how you set it up.
Sloper, Inverted L, Inverted U and Inverted Vee pick one!
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