[TowerTalk] Unique Short Radial Challenge

Richard HIll rehill at ix.netcom.com
Sat Oct 20 18:55:28 EDT 2007


I asked this question in a different way recently (if you have limited space
and obstacles is it useful to make sure that radials in key directions such
as to Europe or Japan are closest to ideal lengths).  Several including N6BV
pointed out that when radials are on the ground, I would not likely hear any
difference.

Rich
NU6T

-----Original Message-----
From: towertalk-bounces at contesting.com
[mailto:towertalk-bounces at contesting.com]On Behalf Of David Gilbert
Sent: Saturday, October 20, 2007 12:30 PM
To: Eric Hilding
Cc: towertalk at contesting.com
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Unique Short Radial Challenge



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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