[SCCC] Help with 160 antenna

[Rick Darwicki]

Can anyone help with this question regarding my vertical antenna?

 

I have a Create 40/80 mounted about 20' above the ground on a metal pipe. The antenna has two plastic insulator sleeves and is "U" bolted to the support pipe. The support pipe is set in concrete and strapped to the eaves. Radials fan out on the roof.

 

One year I tried base loading it on 160 and the Alpha 78 melted the insulators, or at least they arced over and fried like bacon. Base loaded (new insulators) with low power it seems to be the best antenna I can come up with, I've tried 35/90 inverted L, 35' vertical with 50' top loading wires and the B&W 30/160 dipole.

 

Assuming bigger is better, I can run a wire to the ground and feed the 40/80 as a 60' vertical.

I also want to be able to use the Alpha 78 and retain 40/80 with a remote relay. So the questions are:

 

1.)   If I run a wire to the ground, do I stand a better chance of not melting the insulators if I put the loading coil at the ground or at the base of the vertical?

2.)   Would switching out all of the roof radials help reduce the potential for arcing at the insulators?

Is there a better idea out there?



Many thanks, Rick N6PE