[Antennas] ground mounted vertical radials question

Sat Nov 11 08:52:24 EST 2006

The more radials the better.
I've read dozens of articles on the subject and yes, there is a point of 
diminishing returns. Keep in mind that all commercial stations in the USA 
use in the range of 120, which approaches a theoretical perfect ground. 
Many on-line articles speak of a minimum of 16, total. The length of the 
radials is less important, since longer ones do not necessarily help as much 
as quantity, for the first 20-30 or so. You are likely better off with more 
shorter ones than fewer longer ones. More loss is happening more right at 
the base.
So, my recommendation is to place at least 20 on the ground, make them as 
long as you can, closing in on 1/4 wave for the lowest band. Then read, 
read and read some more from the experts. If you go with more, keep in mind 
that once you get over 40-50, then it could be a lot of work for little 
gain.
If you doubt what I say, then read tons of articles from the experts, since 
I am not one.
Sean
W8OKN
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "David Ashworth" <fathom at dslextreme.com>
To: <antennas at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Saturday, November 11, 2006 12:37 AM
Subject: [Antennas] ground mounted vertical radials question
> Hello to all. Will be installing a Hustler 5BTV vertical on the ground, 
> up
> in the country where there is no problem with people tripping over 
> radials.
> The radials will NOT be buried. They will be placed upon the ground. 
> Been
> reading my reference material on radials, but would like to hear from
> operators that have been there/done that. The lowest band will be 80 
> meters
> and the highest 10 meters. Hustler recommends at least two radials per
> band. Then, been reading W2FMI's book about short verticals. Think he 
> was
> happy with about 40 radials. Am I on the right track, the more radials, 
> the
> better, up to a certain point? The soil there is very dry unless it has
> been raining. As soon as the sun comes out, there goes the moisture 
> content
> of the soil. So, would it be better to spread, say 40 radials at 1/8
> wavelength, or maybe 20 at 1/4 wavelength? Would you spread some for just
> 80, or do a combination of the different bands? If this was salt water, 
> bet
> you could throw a coat hanger in there, but it is not. Any good ideas? I
> am leaning towards less radials and longer radials, but experience is the
> best teacher. Thank you for your comments/recommendations, Dave, NC6P.
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