Dipole antennas can be erected in non-standard ways to achieve different effects or to fit into smaller spaces.
Normally, a dipole antenna is erected so that it is parallel to the ground. However, it can be erected in unique ways to provide different functions if needed, such as directionality, or to fit into a space that it wouldn’t if parallel to the ground.
The most common alternate orientation is an Inverted Vee. In this, the center is raised, and the ends are pulled toward the ground. In this orientation, the antenna has a better natural impedance (closer to 50Ω). But the biggest benefit is that it takes up considerably less space and is easier to erect (you only need one tall support for the middle).
As the angle is increased (middle pushed upward and ends downward), the length of the wires needed to obtain resonance decreases slightly. For these angles from the ground, multiply the wire length by:
| Angle | Multiplier |
|---|---|
| 0 (horizontal) | 1.00 |
| 15 | 0.99 |
| 22 | 0.98 |
| 30 | 0.97 |
| 37 | 0.96 |
| 45 | 0.95 |
