[TenTec] vertical radials

[ac5e at comcast.net]

Hi again Mike.  I use an edger, myself, with a spool holder hose clamped to the handle. My number twelves generally do a good job of closing the trench behind the gadget. But I see no reason why a ready made jobbie should not do even better, particularly if you can ride the thing. 

234/f in mHz is correct for a quarter wave in free space - but there's so much coupling to ground that an actual quarter wave radial is more like a tenth physical wave long.  Generally, 60 feet or so makes close enough to a quarter wave on 160, but more does not hurt.  

The DX Engineering plate will work with some fiddling;  and it's a heap easier than drilling and tapping 60 holes in a chunk of quarter or three eighths  inch aluminum scrap you have hacksawed to fit. 

MIG welder wire comes in a bunch of sizes - does not rust or corrode - and some of the stuff is bad about curling and the next roll out of the bin will lie there as limp as the guy who just slugged down a pint of 100 proof. I go to Harbor Freight in Mobile and buy a couple of the biggest rolls they have, and pick up enough short pieces of rebar for the radials I'm putting down at the building supply. 

If it's curly I pull it tight at the end of the trench, heel in a chunk of rebar, make a few wraps and a tie off to keep the wire in place. 

If it's limp, I don't bother to pull it taut. 

73  Pete Allen  AC5E
--
Never squat with your spurs on