Topband: Recent 160m Antenna Questions

[Tom Rauch]

> Yes I agree, however radials previously were about 6 
> laying on the
> ground. These had to be removed in summer for grass 
> cutting so thought I
> would experiment with elevated radials after reading 
> reports that a
> small number of resonant elevated radials tended to equate 
> to a larger
> number of the buried/on-ground variety.

They do equal a larger number of in ground radials when only 
a few radials are being used.

They do not, as some people claim, equal 120 radials on the 
ground. Four elevated radials often do not even equal 20 
radials on the ground!

You can expect them to be about 3-6dB down from fifty or 
sixty radials, more with a short vertical. Your exact 
mileage will vary, but unless they are elevated 100 feet or 
more or over saltwater don't expect that magical free lunch.

73 Tom