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[KB3ERM]

I purchased a MFJ 1796 which makes use of a capacity hat. I was wondering if anyone could tell me how a capacity hat works. When tuning my antenna I found it easier to reach resonance at the desired frequency if I removed one of the four spokes in the hat for the band I was tuning. By removing the spoke (one of four) what will the effect be on radiation pattern? As long as I reach a low SWR, is there anything wrong with modifing the hat in this manner?
I removed one spoke each on the 10 & 15 meter bands, the 20 & 40 tuned with all four spokes installed.

[W4AN]

I don't believe there is any affect on the radiation pattern.  By removing the spoke you are simply making the antenna shorter.  The capacity hat is used to electrically lengthen the antenna.  Generally this kind of thing comes at the expense of bandwidth.

73

Bill