[TenTec] Vertical radial question

[Bill Tippett]

N1VS:
 >I'm putting up a new vertical and faced with a long narrow
lot (50;x30;)

         Cover the maximum area you can.  A simple rule
is given in ON4UN's book which will work even for rectangular
lots like yours.  For the highest band you plan to use,
mark points along the perimeter (rectangule in your case)
that are 0.025 wavelengths apart.  For 160m, this would be
about 13', for 80m 6.5', etc.  Then run a radial from your
vertical to each of these points.  0.025 wavelengths has
been determined empirically to be the effective point to
minimize the number/length of radials, total wire cost and
still have very good effectiveness.  Here is one set of data
which verifies the 0.025wl rule of thumb:

http://www.antennasbyn6lf.com/files/160_m_vertical_measurements.pdf

0.025wl = 24.6/f (f in MHz and result in feet)

                                         73,  Bill  W4ZV