Updated: Dec 9, 2025 | Source: 2023-2027 Question Pool | Topic: G9D
G9D05G9D

What is an advantage of vertically stacking horizontally polarized Yagi antennas?

Deep Dive: G9D05

The correct answer is D: It narrows the main lobe in elevation. An advantage of vertically stacking horizontally polarized Yagi antennas is that it narrows the main lobe in elevation. Stacking reduces the vertical beamwidth, concentrating energy in a narrower elevation angle. For amateur radio operators, this improves long-distance communication. Understanding this helps when designing antenna arrays.

Why Other Answers Are Wrong

Option A: Incorrect. Stacking doesn't allow quick selection of vertical or horizontal polarization - stacking is for elevation pattern, not polarization selection. Polarization selection isn't the advantage. Option B: Incorrect. Stacking doesn't allow simultaneous vertical and horizontal polarization - stacking is for elevation pattern, not dual polarization. Dual polarization isn't the advantage. Option C: Incorrect. Stacking doesn't narrow the main lobe in azimuth - it narrows in elevation, not azimuth. Azimuth narrowing isn't the advantage.

Exam Tip

Vertically stacked Yagis advantage = narrows main lobe in elevation. Think 'V'ertically 'S'tacked = 'V'ertical 'S'eparation = 'N'arrows 'E'levation. Stacking reduces vertical beamwidth, concentrating energy in narrower elevation angle. Not polarization selection, not dual polarization, not azimuth - just elevation narrowing.

Memory Aid

Vertically stacked Yagis advantage = narrows main lobe in elevation. Think 'V'ertically 'S'tacked = 'N'arrows 'E'levation. Stacking reduces vertical beamwidth, concentrating energy in narrower elevation angle. Improves long-distance communication.

Real-World Example

Two horizontally polarized Yagis stacked vertically: The vertical separation creates a narrower elevation pattern. Instead of a wide elevation beam, you get a narrower beam that concentrates energy at a specific elevation angle. This is ideal for long-distance communication - the narrower elevation beam improves performance. This is the advantage - narrows main lobe in elevation.

Source & Coverage

Question Pool: 2023-2027 Question Pool

Subelement: G9D

Reference: 2023-2027 Question Pool · G9 - Antennas and Feed Lines

Key Concepts

Vertically stacked Yagis Horizontally polarized Narrows main lobe Elevation

Verified Content

Question from the official FCC General Class pool. Explanation reviewed by licensed amateur radio operators and mapped to the G9D topic.