Topband: New Subject: 160M array feedline question

[Mpridesti]

If the radials have a good chance be being submerged in fresh water, I would consider elevating the radials. 

Had an experience here where my 40 radials on each of my 4 square verticals were often times below the water level and radiation efficiency dropped like a rock. Great receive performance but transmit signal was poor (think boiling the water). When I raised about 20 radials out of the water and disconnected the ones now trapped in mud, etc. the 4 square started to play well. 

Regards,

Mark, K1RX


> On Mar 22, 2021, at 9:54 AM, Wes <wes_n7ws at triconet.org> wrote:
> 
> What's the perceived problem with the cable being submerged?
> 
> Wes  N7WS
> 
>> On 3/21/2021 1:25 PM, Carl Braun wrote:
>> Hello Topbanders
>> 
>> I am currently awaiting the snow to melt here in the Northwoods of Wisconsin before starting the construction of my low band vertical array.  My verticals will be mounted in a low ground area near a lake and the area tends to get wet and sometimes floods in the early spring.  Water levels could reach 6" to 12" above ground.  My concerns relate to the hardline coaxial cable that will run from my lighting arrestor panel at the outside of my shack to the center of the two element vertical array which is 250' away.  I will be using 1 5/8" hardline that I was able to snag for a very good deal but am concerned about having the cable lying on the ground and possible become submerged should we get significant rain with the snow melt.
>> 
>> My plan is to elevate the feedline approximately 24" above the ground using old sections of Rohn 25 tower spaced every 10' or so.  Each vertically mounted 5' chunk of Rohn 25 will be buried 2' into the ground have a 3' 2x6 board laying horizontally across the tower that would act as a coaxial "shelf" that will keep the hardline out of the water and prevent any significant drooping between these Rohn support sections.
>> 
>> My question for the forum is related to the fact that I will have an elevated coaxial feedline with two ground mounted vertical antennas.  I plan to use an UNUN or similar line isolator/choke that would keep the hardline from becoming a extra radial.  Any thoughts from the forum on this set up? Any extra precautions I should take to keep return currents from flowing on the feedline?
>> 
>> Thanks in advance for any suggestions.
>> 
>> Carl W9LF
>> 
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