Does it matter if the elements are out to the side or if they are pointed towards the sky and towards the ground?

It does matter where the elements are pointed on most every antenna ever built – and Elk Log Periodic Dipole Array (LPDA) antennas are not the exception. Many stations that you may wish to work will be vertically polarized – that is where the elements are pointed up towards the sky and toward the ground. You will want to match the polarization of the station you are working in order to efficiently send and receive a signal. Most all repeaters, base stations, mobile radios, and HTs are vertically polarized. (See the section on horizontal polarization for details on that).