Topband: tool for install radials

[Lloyd Berg - N9LB]

Rob, I don't know you, but what I stated is absolutely true.

I've been a broadcast engineer for 40 years, much of the time with a Potomac
Field Intensity meter in one hand and  a notebook in the other working on
documenting AM broadcast antenna system performance and field signal
strength. ( Also measured amateur systems on 160 and 80 meters when I could
borrow the equipment. )

The losses from deeply buried radials is high and goes higher as the
frequency increases.  Yes the soil type and moisture content make a big
difference, but close to the surface or on the surface is optimum.

I know of what I speak.

73

Lloyd - N9LB
SBE Professional Broadcast Engineer ( retired )
FCC 1st Phone ( a whole stack of them )
FCC General Radio License

-----Original Message-----
From: Topband [mailto:topband-bounces at contesting.com]On Behalf Of Rob
Atkinson
Sent: Tuesday, December 09, 2014 4:28 PM
To: topband at contesting.com
Subject: Re: Topband: tool for install radials


>One word of caution.
>Don't put the radials too far under the surface. 2, 3, 4, or 5 inches down
is too deep! Remember that you will be cooking the soil ( introducing
losses ) between the radial wires and the surface.
>Try to keep the radial wires an inch or less below the surface.

That is absolutely not true.  There is no difference in performance at
any of those depths.

73

Rob
K5UJ


http://www.antennasbyn6lf.com/files/ground_skin_depth_and_wavelength.pdf
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