Topband: Elevated Radials

[Ken Brown]

Every discussion of elevated radials versus on the ground radials I have 
seen, so far, just sort of ignores the difference in the length of the 
vertical radiator. Many of you may be fortunate enough to have a one 
half wave length support structure, so that you could really compare the 
performance of quarter wave vertical radiating element with the feed 
point and radial system a quarter wavelength above the ground, with a 
quarter wave vertical radiator with it's base and radial system on the 
ground. However for those of us not so fortunate, who are limited to a 
total height of less than a quarter wavelength the comparison has to be 
between two different length vertical radiators, probably with some kind 
of top loading. I would like to see more discussion that assumes a 
limited total height, and the vertical section length being reduced by 
the same amount that the radial system is raised above ground.

If my radial system were one eight wavelength above ground, the  
vertical section of  my radiator would be less than zero, or it would be 
under the radial system.

Ken N6KB