Re: [TowerTalk] [Bulk] Radial question

[Grant Saviers <grants2@pacbell.net>]

A lot of folks are "defeated" by the 160m SSB contest, the most work per 
Q of any big contest, IMO.
More wire, even elevated you 2', will help shield the earth and reduce 
loss, 65' is too short for 160 so tuning isn't going to happen, and it 
might not make any difference since they are tied to earth.  You will 
reduce ground loss by a few more ohms and that is good.
The biggest improvement you can make with limited radial space, is to 
add top loading to increase the radiation resistance.  There are a 
number of ways to do that L, T, umbrella, disc, etc.  Now a lot depends 
on what you have for supports around the butternut.   The top loading 
will help both 80 and 160 with your 32' vertical but 40m will start to 
look like a 1/2wl, hard to feed.  The loading coil will need adjustment 
for 80 and 160.
There is a lot written about this topic google top loading verticals for 
some alternatives.
Grant KZ1W



On 3/2/2016 19:57 PM, Jon Suehiro wrote:
> A bit off the topic, but - I don't think have seen any discussion in the
> subject --- ground radials.
>
>   
>
> I have Butternut HF2V (with 160/30 options) and placed approx 12 x 15'
> ground screen around the vertical, and 35 x 15 ~ 40' gage #14 wires on the
> ground at my city lot.
>
>   
>
> Completely defeated in 160 phone contest and felt like running through 30dB
> ATT on 160 (estimated radiation efficiency of 5%).
>
>   
>
> Always the discussion is raised or on/in ground. I can place 4 x 65' radial
> wires along the wood fence approx. 20 ~ 30" above ground (cannot place on
> the ground) in addition to the current system.
>
>   
>
> 1.     Can raised and on/in radials mixed ?
>
> 2.     If 2' above ground is too high as on/in ground, do they need to be
> tuned or can be random length ?
>
>   
>
> Thanks.
>
>   
>
> NN5T Jon
>
>   
>
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