Topband: Inv. L question

[Tom Rauch]

> There have recently been some articles on the ideal
number/length of
> radials for a particular total length of radial wire.  I
believe these
> apply to on-ground systems.  Do they apply equally well to
slightly
> elevated systems?  Is it worth following some formula, or
just go with "as
> many as you can manage" conventional wisdom?

Ron,

The least accurate part of NEC models is predicting behavior
of a wire close to and parallel with earth. I've seen errors
as much as several dB. Predicting optimum radial layouts
when you don't even know what the soil is like, let alone
how the model will conform to the real soil effects is a lot
like using dial calipers to measure the size of cotton
balls.

I would never base an entire system's design based on an
"exact guess". I'd just lay down 20 or more radials 100 ft
or longer, and call it a work of art.

73 Tom