John,
Yes you can fan out radials and even zig zag some to fit available
space, run them along fence lines, on your side, etc.
I meant by disconnection to unplug antennas and AC lines from the ham
equipment inside the house.
If you get a big switch, it might be to disconnect any balanced feed
lines and coax switches to disconnect coax feeds. But, the more
reliable protection is to unscrew the feedline and throw it out the
window, ie space it away from house and equipment.
For mobile use, I know hams who have zig zagged 20m 16 foot radials
under their pick up truck frame to improve RF ground for a screwdriver
or other antenna. Radials for one antenna will only help your R7. The
R7 does not have very effective RF ground with its minimal radial rods.
I have used them at Field Day, and also owned an R5 a short time, but
let it go.
My most effective multi bander has been my Gap Titan. Before that I had
a WRL (now MFJ) 18 AVT vertical.
Stuart
K5KVH
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