Antenna height

[Ghostwalker]

Sorry, I hope this is in the right area.
I have an A-99, might upgrade to the Imax 2000.
The question is what is optimal heights for base antenna? For instance, 32ft as compared to 40 or 40 as compared to 64ft. I am referring to base of antenna.
I haven't noticed this topic yet and was wondering if it made a difference as far as receive and talk, along with wave length variables.
Thanks. All comments are welcome.

[Red Warrior]

When a dipole is more than 1 wavelength above the earth it no longer exhibits ground losses and is considered a "free space" antenna. At 11 meters that is approximately 36 feet.

[Ghostwalker]

Thanks, I wasn't sure if it made a difference to be at wavelength heights or not.

['Doc]

A very simple 'ROT' (Rule Of Thumb) is the higher the better, to some ridiculous degree. Increasing height by something less than the length of the antenna it's self isn't very productive.
Height above ground affects the characteristics of most antennas. Input impedance for one, the antenna's ability to 'see' the horizon further away is another (if that makes sense). Groundplane type antennas aren't affected in exactly the same way. They still 'see' further, but since that 'groundplane' part of the thingy IS 'ground' as far as the antenna is concerned, it's taking it along with it when it gets higher, right? Antennas work pretty good even when ON the ground. Bunch of them sort of antennas, almost every one of the broadcast station use them.
There's another aspect to that antenna height thingy. Higher isn't always the best place for it to be. Deals with radiation angles, propagation, and so on. Being able to vary the antennas height can be a huge 'plus' factor. Ever see several similar antennas on the same tower of some ham contester? Just one cheap(?) way of varying antenna height. (All kinds of definitions of 'cheap', and everybody knows them contesters aint' right in the head anyway, you know?)
The simplest answer to a very complex problem is to get that antenna as high as is practical for you. Then just don't worry about it...much.
- 'Doc

[Ghostwalker]

Thanks ya'll.
Right now the a99 sets at about 30-32ft at base of antenna on a pole that used to be fifty, but busted years ago. I have been using what was left over of the pole. Luckily the a99 wasn't up there at the time. :D

[treetall]

i know boys that have barefoot cobra 29s with wilson 1000s on the top of these huge cranes that build the skyscrapers and all i can say is wow. i also know people who have imax 2000s at 100 ft. and man they work. the trick is though finding somebody to climb the tree to install it for ya (treetall :D ). ive always heard height is might so thats the way i go about things. i mean i have my 102 inch whip on truck mounted 6.5 feet off the ground. anyways me and my mobile with your holiday wave is back on the side