[TowerTalk] GAP Voyager question

[KI9A at aol.com]

Gentleman, ( and Ladies),
 
I have a GAP Voyager 20-160 vertical up, had it about 2 years now.  It  
really outperforms my 135' open wire fed dipole @ 40', past 1500 miles, ( 80, 
40  meters) and I enjoy it...plus, it gets me on 160. even worked 2 JA's this 
winter  from Illinois.
 
Here is the question. It is every hams intent to make an antenna  better.  
What is the purpose of the 3 - 56' "radials" on these antennas?  And, 
conventional wisdom says if these 3 are needed to make it function, would  more be 
better??? 
 
73- Chuck KI9A
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