Topband: K6MM helically wound vertical for top band

[w9hak]

I have been using the HWV for a year now and have 
had good results with this antenna. I am located 
in southwest Indiana and have worked dx from the 
Ukraine to Chile and Europe. My question revolves 
around my ground system.  I have two separate 
systems, in the summer a single 8' copper coated 
ground rod at the base of the antenna into clay 
type soil.

In the winter I lay down 9 radials at 126' each 
and disconnect the ground rod.  Reviewing the 
numbers on the reverse beacon either system gives 
the same results.  I tried connecting both systems 
together but the bandpass at the 2:1 points was 
much narrower, from 1.8 to 1.835 mhz.

   The best results are with the radials attached 
to their common buss, located at the base of the 
antenna, but NOT to the antenna or ground rod. The 
ground rod is only attached to the antenna. The 
band width now is from 1.8 to 2.0 mhz with the 
vswr at 1:2.1. There is a rise to 1:7.1 at 1.840 
mhz but then it drops back down as I move up to 
2.0 mhz.

I have confirmed these numbers with my MFJ 259B 
and my K3 with the ATU in the bypass mode. The MFJ 
reports low reactance, 0 to 16 ohms, and an 
antenna resistance from45 ohms to around 68 ohms 
across the top band.  I sure would like to know 
what is going on with this arrangement.

Smith
W9HAK