[TowerTalk] Radials, verticals and horizontal antennas

[Bill Tippett]

W2CDO:

 >It has been empirically proven that a ground-mounted vertical with a dozen
radials and an antenna matching unit (e.g., "tuner") is a much more effective
antenna than a dipole up 1/2 wavelength on paper.  ;-)

         I hope the ;-) means you're kidding.
A 1/2 wl DP has about 8 dBi gain at ~30
degrees TOA.  A single vertical with 12
radials is probably <0 dBi (due to ground
losses) at about the same TOA.  Of course
the vertical radiates equally well in all
directions and the dipole does not, which
is how the DP achieves ~2 dB of its gain.
The remaining 6 dB is from ground reflection.

                                 73,  Bill  W4ZV

P.S.  A vertical will beat a 1/2 wl dipole
at very low angles over salt water, but 12
radials does not equal a salt water ground.