Gene Smar wrote:
> Jim:
>
> Insulated wire is more durable than bare in radial applications.
>
> As for the velocity factor thing, forget it. Once the wire, bare or
> otherwise, is in contact with earth, the capacitance of the wire to earth
> swamps out any transmission line features of the wire. So you can even
> shorten the radials and add more of them.
I use insulated wire radials which after a few months disappear into the
grass....I tack down the wires with large spikes along the way with a
single turn of the insulated wire. Yet I have always wondered if there
is any benefit in making an actual earth connection to the end of the
radial with a short rod (whatever the radial length may be) or should
that be avoided with ROG installations as it would seem to mitigate the
capacitor effect. But if we are talking about current distribution
would not earthing the ends be a benefit?
Herb Schoenbohm, KV4FZ
_______________________________________________
160 meters is a serious band, it should be treated with respect. - TF4M
|