Topband: Topband Radials System

[Thomas Giella]

Dick W1ZC Said:
I put down 175 radials, over about a 3/4 year period, from rolls of
insulated #22,24, etc. hookup wire, bought at various flea markets
(cheap) in 500-1000' rolls. 
Basic: the more radials, the smaller the current in each wire. With
amateur 
power levels, you could get away with lots of piano wire..(but not
durable!) Big wire not necessary.
=====
Thomas KN4LF Says:   
Yes you can put down small diameter low current handling wires in or on
the ground for your vertical radial system.
   However due to acidic soils, ground critters, tree roots and frost
heave, in no time at all the radials will be all broken into pieces
and/or gone.
   I had a QTH (family property) on 25 acres in rural Sumter County, Fl.
in 1988-92. In 1989 I tacked down to the ground surface, 60 1/8 wave
radials and 60 1/4 wave radials, made up of #12 stranded double coated
black UV resistant wire. The radials were 100% weather proofed on both
ends by believe it or not heat shrink and super glue and in no time the
pasture grass grew over them.
   Earlier this year I stopped by my old QTH and low and behold the
radials are still there. If you plan on never moving from your QTH it
woulb be more cost effective in the long run to do it lay down the
heavier stuff. The wire came VERY cheap, as my younger brother did/does
A/C and refrigeration work. 

Take Care,

Thomas Giella, KN4LF


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