[TowerTalk] [Bulk] Radial question

[Drax Felton]

I always liked this article where they optimize the length of wire you 
have vs. radial count vs. radial length.
http://ncjweb.com/bonus-content/k3lcmaxgainradials.pdf

The radials on my 160 meter vertical are all different lengths to fit 
the available space.   I've made 1000's of contacts on it.  I keep 
adding new radials over time and some have gotten broken off.     
Despite it all it doesn't really seem to make any difference and becomes 
a diminishing return.

I see no reason to make yourself crazy trying to do quarter wave plus 
5%.  It's going to vary based on soil conditions plus what exactly is a 
quarter wave radial?   You'd have to measure the velocity factor radial 
wire.  Just lay down as many as your back, wallet, and space allows.

KB3X


On 2/27/2016 3:27 PM, Grant Saviers wrote:
> installing a 40/80 meter vertical (DX Engineering 8040VA-1) which calls
> for 65 foot radials. However, I recently saw a video of an antenna
> presentation by W3LPL in which Frank suggests 70 foot radials for an 80
> meter antenna. I'll be burying the radials about an inch in the ground.
> Will it really make a dime's worth of difference whether I cut the 
> radials
> at 65 ft or 70 ft? My understanding of radials has always been that
> elevated radials should be cut at a quarter wave plus 5%, but ground 
> radial
> length isn't critical. I just wanted to get a consensus before I start
> chopping up thousands of feet of wire.