[TenTec] INFORMATION ABOUT VERTICAL ANTENNAS

[P C Andy Anderson]

For vertical to work at all it needs RADIALS. I have found that 30 radials is a min and 60 is best.
73' Andy, W3LI


> Subject: [TenTec] INFORMATION ABOUT VERTICAL ANTENNAS
> 
> I have been getting a lot of questions about my Vertical Antenna. I speak
> purely from my own personal experience of being an Amateur Radio
> Operator for the past 39 years.
> 
> My 42 foot Hygain All Band Vertical is just 1 of my antennas. I also have a
> 
> Hygain Long John 4 Element 20 Meter Monoband Beam, 50 feet high
> on a Universal Aluminum Tower and a
> 
> Radio Works Full Wave Loop All Band Antenna.
> 
> I also use an Ameritron AL-1200 Legal Limit Amplifier.
> 
> Let me address my Vertcal Antenna setup. It is 42 feet high and I have
> 30 radials, with each radial being 35 feet long, going out in a fan type
> direction, for a total of over 1000 feet of radials.
> 
> When I am running the TEN-TEC 20 meter SSB net, I use my Monoband
> 20 meter beam. When I switch to my Full Wave Loop, the signals drop about 2dB.
> When I switch to the Vertical Antenna the signal drops around 5dB and the weaker
> stations cannot be heard.
> 
> When I am running the TEN-TEC 40 meter net, I use the Full Wave Loop. When 
> I switch to the Vertical Antenna the signal drops about 4 to 5 dB and the weaker
> stations cannot be heard.
> 
> The VSWR is good on all antennas, so the point I am trying to make is that my
> Vertical Antenna is a compromise antenna for me at my location.
> 
> I know that I have worked many stations using a Vertical Antenna and the people
> "swear" by them. Most of these people live in restricted zone areas and
> cannot put up a beam/tower or a long wire or dipole.
> 
> So what do they base their statements on, if they do not have another antenna
> to compare it with?
> 
> I know that some Vertical Antenna users will not agree with me and that is their
> right to do so. I just wanted to respond with a blanket post to address all those
> who have been contacting me about Vertical Antennas.
> 
> I have never lived in a restricted zone area or sub-divison, but I still can empathize
> with those who are forced to use Verticals and Flagpoles or even Wires in their
> attic. If this works for you, I say God bless you for finding a way to get your signal
> out and enjoy your hobby.
> 
> Thank you for your time.
> 
>  John D. Occhipinti, K3UR
> Net Manager, ten_tec Amateur Radio Nets
> 
> QRZ Page:  http://www.qrz.com/db/k3ur
> 
> Group Owner, ten_tec Amateur Radio Net Group
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> 
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