Topband: Multiple Ground Systems

[K9AY]

> Now imagine radials at 45 degrees away from the other vertical.  They are 
> almost 3/32 wave long, but meet at the bus wire at a right angle.  In that 
> case, a radial doesn't see an extension of itself, but rather an array of 
> radials at right angles that can't carry any current in the direction 
> needed.
>
> How does all this jibe with the canonical 1/2 wave broadcast radials?
>
> Rick N6RK

Rick,

Your analysis is probably appropriate for a sparse set of elevated radials, 
each being a significant individual contributor to the radiated field. In 
such a case, separate radials for each element -- not bonded where they 
cross -- seem to be the appropriate choice for a uniform counterpoise.

I prefer to think of a radial system as an approximation of a solid sheet 
rather than individual conductors. In this case, the currents will flow "as 
they want to" along the surface. In reality, a significant-sized 
counterpoise behaves somewhere between individual wires and a solid sheet. A 
poor approximation of a sheet increases the average resistance per unit 
area. I'd like mine to be closer to the solid sheet model!

73, Gary
K9AY