SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/ham-shorten-dipole-higher

Which of the following increases the resonant frequency of a dipole antenna?

Shortening it.

  1. Lengthening it
  2. Shortening it ✔
  3. Inserting coils in the radiating wires

Why: Shorter antennas resonate at higher frequencies. Lengthening a dipole or adding loading coils lowers its resonant frequency.

Huh, didn't know that: Inserting coils in the radiating wires is called loading, and it electrically lengthens the antenna.

The dad joke
Why did the dipole get a haircut? It wanted to hit the high notes.
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Sources

  1. NCVEC 2026-2030 Technician Question Pool (Feb 19, 2026 release) https://www.ncvec.org/downloads/2026-2030%20Technician%20Pool%20and%20Syllabus%20Public%20Release%20Feb%2019%202026.pdf

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That's stuff everyone should know.