computing transmission and feedline phase angles for 2 el phased 20 meter vertic

[HS0ZFQ]

Greetings:
    I have two S9 verticals with 32 radials each and have been using a lightningbolt quad until the weather zapped it. I want to build a 2 element phased 20 meter vertical. Number one I cannot get the Christman calculator to work, even on Chrome or Firefox. An article by N4JTE " Verticals  Got two ? " went through the math of computing phase angles of 84 degrees for the phasing lines and 71 degrees for the feedline. This was for 40 meters. I do not have EZNEC or any antenna files so if a kind soul tell me what phase angles I should use for 14.050 MHZ ( cw ) if I am using a 1/4 wave element set and then another iteration if I am using a 5/8 wave element set I would be sorely indebted to the individual. Also,since I am experimenting can I get away with buying EZNEC 5 or will I need EZNEC 5+ if I decide to continue on the path of phased verticals.
Yours Truly:
Richard
HS0ZFQ
ChiangRai, Thailand

[W8JI]

The general rules for two elements are:

A voltage fed element requires equal voltages with proper voltage phase lag or lead.

A current feed element requires equal currents in each element feedpoint, with proper current phase diffeence.



Phasing antennas at heights other than those that have current maxima or voltage maxima at the feedpoint can be very complicated, because neither voltage, current, or phase are what you might think. Because of that, I think you are biting off more than you should to try end-fire phased 5/8th wave antennas. I would stay away from it, and get my feet wet with 1/4 wave verticals first.

With 1/4 wave spacing, the optimal phase difference is around 110-120 degrees for skywave. This will place a null cone over the rear, and increase gain and improve apparent F/B ratio over 90 degree phasing.

Phase can change over a reasonable amount, perhaps from 95 to 125 degrees, without noticed changes. Improper current maximums, where they are not equal in current, will kill F/B ratio much more than small phase errors.

Read this carefully:

http://www.eznec.com/Amateur/Articles/Current_Dist.pdf

and this

http://www.eznec.com/Amateur/Articles/Simpfeed.pdf

but keep in mind OPTIMUM F/B on skywave does NOT occur with 180-S degee phasing. In other words, optmum phase with 90 degree spacing is NOT 90 degrees, nor is it 120 degrees with 60 degree spacing, or any other 180-S combination.
Unless you actually want less gain (wider pattern) or less rear rejection of signals, you really want the null offset slightly to the sides at zero elevation, so the null forms a cone around the rear.