[amsat-bb] Omni Vertical Antennas for Satellites?

[Robert Bruninga]

By the way, When we say a vertical-over-a-ground plane, we are not talking
about a "ground plane antenna".  That commonly refers to a 1/4 wave
radiating element and four "ground plane" radials.

But this is no better than a vertical dipole when you model it in free
space.  Yes, the radials make a good match to 50 Ohm coax, but do not
simulate an infinite ground plane..  The antenna pattern is still just a
donut with half the energy going into the ground.

So here is the question.  If one put another set of ground radials 1/4 wave
below the initial radials and tuned them longer to act like real 180 degree
phase reversals (like reflectors on a yagi), would this then make the
antenna really pick up the missing 3 dBi that otherwise goes into the
ground?

Bob