Comparing Vertex-Fed Delta Loop vs V Dipole for Short Skip (Inter-EU)
When it comes to short skip propagation (within ~1000 km) on the 6, 10, 12, 15, 17, and 20 meter bands, many operators instinctively use V dipoles or horizontal dipoles at low to moderate heights. However, a vertex-fed delta loop with the point of the triangle downward presents a very interesting and underappreciated alternative, especially when installed at moderate height and operated as a monoband antenna.
Vertex-Fed Delta Loop (Point Down) for Short Skip
This configuration creates a near-equilateral triangle, fed at the bottom vertex. At moderate heights (0.2–0.5λ), this loop behaves more omnidirectionally, with a mix of vertical and horizontal polarization components due to the shape and current distribution.
Key features:
- More uniform azimuth coverage than directional loops at higher height.
- Broader vertical radiation pattern, meaning more energy radiated at mid angles (30–50°).
- Resonant operation as a monoband antenna: stable impedance and clean pattern.
- Quiet RX characteristics thanks to loop geometry.
V Dipole (120° Angle Between Legs) at Height
The traditional V dipole for short skip is often built with a 120° leg angle and placed at ~0.2–0.3λ height. It works, but it has limitations:
- Higher-angle radiation dominates, which can overshoot the mid-range skip zone.
- Slight directivity broadside to the open V, but often negligible due to low height.
- Noisy reception due to open-ended wire geometry.
- Lower gain compared to full loop antennas.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Vertex-Fed Delta Loop | V Dipole (120°) |
|---|---|---|
| Radiation Pattern | Broad, semi-omnidirectional | Slightly directional |
| Gain for Short Skip (30–50°) | Moderate (~2–3 dBi) | Low (~1.5–2 dBi) |
| RX Noise Floor | Lower (loop geometry) | Higher (open dipole ends) |
| Monoband Tuning | Easy | Easy |
| Footprint | Compact triangle | Wider horizontal spread |
| Elevation Angle Match | Good at moderate height | Often slightly too steep |
| Aesthetic / Stealth | Tidy, compact form | Visibly wide angle legs |
Conclusion
If you're focusing on short skip communication on 6, 10, 12, 15, 17, or 20 meters, a vertex-fed delta loop mounted at modest height offers a very appealing alternative to the classic V dipole:
- It gives better overall coverage with more usable angles for inter-EU style propagation.
- The quiet receive behavior and resonant stability make it a solid performer for field days, contesting, or home use.
While the V dipole remains a simple and effective antenna, in a short-skip context, the vertex-fed delta loop simply does more with less space, especially when you value an antenna that doesn’t require constant repositioning or realignment.
For monoband short-range work on the higher HF bands, the loop wins.
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Written by Joeri Van Dooren, ON6URE – RF, electronics and software engineer, complex platform and antenna designer. Founder of RF.Guru. An expert in active and passive antennas, high-power RF transformers, and custom RF solutions, he has also engineered telecom and broadcast hardware, including set-top boxes, transcoders, and E1/T1 switchboards. His expertise spans high-power RF, embedded systems, digital signal processing, and complex software platforms, driving innovation in both amateur and professional communications industries.