Whilst this test would fail any scientific inspection and lacked process rigor, the anecdotal results demonstrate what the theory and modelling inform us with regards to antennas. For long-haul DX, an efficient vertical antenna will out-perform a relatively low horizonal antenna (less than 1/2 wavelength high) like a doublet.
The measurements were observed by eye on the S-Meter of an Elecraft K4D Transceiver so subjective inaccuracy is noted. However, one hopes the subjectivity was evenly applied when each measurement was taken.
Reviewing the table below, it is noteworthy that every signal received from North America is about 6dB stronger on the 1/4 wave vertical. The average distance for each of these stations is in the order of 12,000 km to 13,000 km.
The vertical was a 1/4 wave 40 metre vertical with 32 sqm of fence mesh as the ground plane. The 40 metre doublet was fed with 450 ohm ribbon and was about 10 metres high.
More rigorous tests with WSPR would produce results with a higher degree of accuracy and confidence, both in terms of sample size and measurement accuracy.
Last modified: 5 May, 2026
Unlike your vertical, you doublet will have significant gain in one horizontal axis. That gain may, or may not, work in favour of hearing US stations well. To help us understand what might be the significance of the comparisons you have made, can you clarify what is the ‘bearing’ of your doublet (that is to say, if you look along your doublet from one end to the other, at what compass bearing would you be looking?)
Hi Peter, The doublet runs roughly North/South, so, in theory there may be lobes to the East and West. However, at 10m high the directivity on the 40m band would be questionable. I plan to do some modelling and will report back – but even if there are lobes favouring East and West, the vertical still out-performs. This reinforces the performance advantage of the vertical for low angle radiation and long haul DX signals. I suspect on 20m, the differences would be less – again, some modelling and anecdotal observations in the future will provide some insight.