Jeff and all,
32 radials is generally considered the point after which there are
diminishing returns. My present antenna has (26) 100-foot radials. BTW --
that 0.7 dB extra gain will make 1000W sound like 1175W -- not big, but not
trivial.
Also, large size wire is not required for radials unless you need the
physical ruggedness. #18 is good enough, which might let you add more
radials for the same $$$. I use #17 aluminum electric fence wire, which is
fine for seasonal radials (maybe not along the coast!) and which costs about
$20 per 1/4 mile.
Finally, if you have an inv-L and are stuck with a small number of radials,
make sure one of them is directly under the horizontal wire.
73, Gary
K9AY
> Some interesting facts from W4RNL. Going from 4 to 16 radials you can gain
> 1.2 db. From 16
> to 64 you only gain .7 db more. I bet most of us don't have the room for
> 120 radials or maybe even
> 64 radials. If this is your case is it worth laying out 64 radials when
> you gain only .7 db more ?
> For me the answer would be No. I am lucky that have an easement behind
> where I live to put my 160 antenna. I am going to try to get a minimum of
> 16 radials out there. I have about 4 full size 130 ft ones right now.
>
> I went to Home Depot after work the other night and got a 500 foot spool
> of wire to get started. I can't believe how much the price of wire has
> gone up. I think last time I bought a spool if was something like $25. The
> #12 solid wire was $40 for a 500 foot spool and the stranded was even more
> at $45.
>
> Jeff KU8E
>
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