[TowerTalk] vertical antenna ground loss

[Al Williams]

----- Original Message ----- > IN REALITY I THINK WE SHOULD BE TALKING ABOUT
> GROUND RESISTANCE...


I have difficulty in accepting the explanation of poor vertical antenna 
performance due to ground loss.It seems to be the culprit in about all 
antenna books going way back in years but is never explained. My 
understanding is that verticals do not get the benefit of ground reflection 
that horizontals get; that the radiation of the wave may be partially 
absorbed on its path away from the antenna but this occurs not within the 
area that radials woul alleviate.

This leaves the radials as providing a better return path for the return 
currents.  However, it is my understanding that antennas radiate because of 
the changing (accelerating) current in them which means that the antenna is 
charging and discharging,  If this is the case then the charging and 
discharging has to be offset with something that is of the opposite 
polarity.  That something in the case of the vertical is the ground if there 
are no radials.

When radials are added, the antenna itself can better charge and discharge 
which is the real problem with the ground resistance
being only an inhibiter?

Any corrections or explanations is welcome.

k7puc