A three band short Vee antenna is feasible with two legs per side on a dipole.

In this example we'll assume 10, 15, and 20 meters. While the VSWR can be as high as 1.5:1, this antenna can be a real easy antenna construct and use. A few caveats. If you want to favor the 20 meter band, this antenna should be constructed so it's high up. Also, use a 4:1 balun at the feedpoint to smooth response and bandwidth. The way the antenna is set up is shown in figure 1 below.

figure 1

Let's look at the radiation pattern of this antenna. These plots are for the 14 mHz or 20 meter portion of the band. In figure 2 we see that most of the RF is being driven straight up. That's not really aventageous to skip, but never underestimate antennas like this. In figure 3 you'll note that our horizonal pattern is basically omni-directional.

In our next example we're looking at the 21 mHz or 15 meter portion of the band. In figure 4 we see that most of the RF is going out at a 45 degree angle. This is slightly high, but would be very good for most DX conditions. In figure 5 you'll note that our horizonal pattern is almost omni-directional, but the larger amount of radiation is coming off the side of the antenna. (Note that the point of the "V" faces to the right, with the open of the "V" to the left.)

In our last example we're looking at the 28 mHz or 10 meter portion of the band. In figure 6 we see that most of the RF is going out at a 40 degree angle, slightly lower than our 21 mHz plot. This is almost ideal, and would be excellent for most DX conditions. In figure 7 you'll note that our horizonal pattern is not as omni-directional as out 21 mHz plot, but the larger amount of radiation is coming off the side and the back of the antenna. (Note that the point of the "V" faces to the right, with the open of the "V" to the left.)

Figure 2	Figure 3
Figure 4	Figure 5
Figure 6	Figure 7

Again, keep in mind that a tuner or a 4:1 balun will help the matching of this antenna as there are some losses and variances in the feedpoint.

Frederick R. Vobbe, W8HDU