Inverted-V Antenna

The inverted-V is a variant of the Dipole Antenna supported at a single central point, with the two legs sloping down toward the ends. It needs only one mast, which makes it a common practical compromise.

Try this antenna

Use it for regional coverage with a single high support. Set the apex height and total wire length, then check SWR. Choose it for coverage shape rather than expecting more gain than a horizontal dipole.

Compare antenna types and tuning steps · Calculate a starting length · Understand the coverage

Configuration

The feedpoint sits at the apex (the configured height) and the two legs slope down at roughly 40 degrees. The default length is 10.8 m; a length of 0 selects a nominal half-wave template for the operating frequency; check its solved SWR.

Characteristics

• Typical gain around 1.8 dBi, a little below a flat dipole at the same apex height, because the average wire height is lower.
• Nearly omnidirectional; the sloping legs fill in the nulls a flat dipole has off its ends.
• Typical takeoff angle around 40 degrees: well suited to short and medium range ionospheric coverage.
• Slightly wider SWR bandwidth than a flat dipole.

When to use

Choose the inverted-V when simulating a station with a single support, for regional coverage, or when an omnidirectional pattern is preferred over the dipole's broadside preference. For long-distance work a high flat dipole or a Yagi performs better.