[TowerTalk] Unequal Radial Currents

[Jim Brown]

Great post, Dennis. Was not familiar with Dick's work, but what you cite 
is consistent with extensive work that N6LF has published on his 
excellent website, which I have often referenced. Mostly that current 
distribution affects LOSS, not directivity. But loss in the far field 
certainly DOES affect directivity.

73, Jim K9YC

On 8/29/2020 5:44 PM, Dennis W0JX via TowerTalk wrote:
> Unequal currents in 1/4 wave radials is to be expected primarily due to three factors: 1.) varying quality of the ground under each radial; 2.) the effect of close by objects such as buildings and other towers; and 3.) the variation in the length of the radial wires depending on type of wire, insulation, and construction methods. Effect on the actual radiation pattern depends, of course, on the severity of the current variation and the number of radials utilized.
> Dick Weber, K5IU, wrote a very informative article in the late 90's which was published in Communications Quarterly. He argued that 1/4 wave long radials were the poorest length on could use.