No, of course not. If you checked out the dipole without a mast vs. the dipole with a mast, you could see and figure out the answer. You have to stop, just looking at the pictures.
BM, when the antenna is isolated from the mast the antenna acts pretty much like the antenna without a mast, at least in the models. There may be a little RF flowing on an isolated mast directly from the antenna radiation, but it likely won't be much unless the design is like a Starduster for example.
So, when we hear Bob and others talk about isolating their antennas, there is some difference to be noted, and I can see this in the models. But, on-the-other-hand these same folks will bemoan the same idea...when we read W8JI crying foul for not including the mast in our modeling.
So, Same O, Same O.
I've tried mast isolation, but I've really never seen a difference that I could tell just using my radio. That is not to say there is no difference, I say it might be a difference that is insignificant or without a distinction.
I believe Bob when he says he sees differences, big or small, but I have just never been able to duplicate his results.
So, no-way-no.
If I ever do however, you'll all hear it from me...good Lord willin' and the creek don't rise.
