Hello All,
The debate over vertical radial systems will still be raging
long after we are all dead and buried....
A story to relate...
A few years ago, a team of friends were helping Robby, VY2SS,
put together his 80m 4-square. One of the hams helping out was
an engineer by profession, with a truly analytical mind. He was
trying to dictate the entire design to Robby based on all the
theory (he had never built a 4-square himself.)
Robby would have non of that. Hell, he will try it his way
and see what PERFORMS best. A combination of using the Antenna
Analyzer and on-the-air tests found the best combination.
The "engineer" ham was dumbfounded.
Guess what Robby ended up with?
Four elevated radials on each vertical. 3.5 - 4Mhz coverage
with SWR < 1.8:1. Excellent forward gain/FB on phone or CW.
It is small 50ft tower sections with pipe on the top.
Comtek box with 50-ohm coax to the verticals.
Will this work for you? Who knows. IMHO, take all inputs and then
go with the solution that best works for you. Build and test, starting
small.
Of course, your solution may be unique and create another point
of debate!
Oh, the engineer who helped (and argued) with Robby over his decisions
went home disgusted. Too bad -- the antenna is a killer.
73,
Gerry, W1VE/VE1RM
gerry@w1ve.com, http://www.w1ve.com
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