[TowerTalk] Unique Short Radial Challenge

[David Gilbert]

Rick, maybe the experts will correct me, but I don't think symmetry is 
particularly important for a radial system. You should get better 
performance in whichever direction you have more and longer radials, but 
I don't think having fewer and shorter radials in the opposite direction 
should be a big negative (except in that direction). I've tried to model 
that same situation (sans salt water) several times with EZNEC (yeah, I 
know it isn't accurate for low wires) and shortening the radials on one 
side never seemed to have much effect on the other.

I can't think of any reason why you shouldn't run radials into the salt 
water. Again, maybe somebody with more knowledge than I will know of one.

73,
Dave AB7E




Eric Hilding wrote:
> OK, this is the where I get to confess my remaining ignorance about  radials
> and matching devices on shortened verticals.
>
>  
>
> I have a “Unique Short Radial Challenge” for an upcoming 160m portable
> situation.  Several of my fellow NCCCers have made some suggestions, and I’m
> looking for some additional input before “measuring twice, cutting once” J
>
>  
>
> This pix will help:  http://www.k6vva.com/radialchallenge2.jpg
>
>  
>
> The Yellow “X” is where I will be temporarily ground mounting a shortened
> 160m vertical.
>
>  
>
> The Yellow lines to the left and right represent what are planned to
> actually be two bendy, curvy, zig-zaggy ¼ wave radials.
>
>  
>
> The Yellow arrow points to the signal target direction over “SALT WATER”.
>
>  
>
> The vertical base will be about 20ft above and 15ft back from the water at
> high tide (approx a 12 foot fluctuation twice a day).
>
>  
>
> It has been suggested to also run one “short radial” down into the water.
> As I’ve been looking at the pix, I keep wondering if maybe running at least
> four “short radials” down into the water (sufficiently out for low-tide)
> would help?  I realize symmetry of radials is important, but I really can’t
> do this going the other direction because of a house, etc.  
>
>  
>
> Assuming going *into* the water is cool, due to the non-symmetrical  radial
> situation, I’m wondering if the matching unit on the Myers Gladiator might
> burp?  I also have an HF6-V plus 160m coil (which would be easier to get up
> in the rain and high winds), but think the Myers would work better.
>
>  
>
> Should I ditch the planned two ¼ wave radials and just use a bunch of real
> short ones within the allowable 180 degree ground pattern available for
> radials (including some into the water)?  If going into the water is OK,
> what would be the best method of “connectivity”?  What came to mind was
> using some pieces of copper plumbing stuff at the end of the radials.  When
> it’s time to pack up, I can see how much has not been eaten away J
>
>  
>
> Tnx very much for any additional suggestions or lashings.
>
>  
>
> 73…
>
>  
>
> Rick, K6VVA * The Locust
>
>  
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>  
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