[TowerTalk] Radial Lengths

[jcjacobsen at q.com]

Gary K9RX had a question about radial lengths and confusion from reading ON4UN Low Band book. If it helps any, I was always of the belief that there is a point of diminishing returns. It's better to have more short radials than only a few long ones. If I remember correctly, the ARRL antenna book has charts on number of radials for a given amount of wire so as to use said wire most effectively. It is from an article in June 1985 QST, pgs 28-30 by N2MF, Brian Edwards. I settled on 32 radials, approx 32' long around a 42' HB vertical for 160/75/40 meters. Antenna works very well. Into Europe and Central/South America on all 3 bands. I never run more than 500 watts. On 160 that would equal abt 125 wts ERP, and on 75 abt 250 wts ERP. On 160 I only miss Hawaii, Alaska, and South Dakota (right next door, darn) for WAS. I can usually get 40++ states during the CQ 160 SSB the end of February, even barefoot. 
In short (no pun intended) put down as many radials as you can, in the space you have. BUT I don't think you need to get to anal about it. After all, it IS AMATEUR RADIO we are playing with. Don't beat yourself up over it. Read the QST article or look in the handbook and then go at it. 
Good luck with your project. 73  K9WN  Jake