[UK-CONTEST] Vertical radials

[Ian GM4KLN]

Thanks Jim

Always nice to see how this all works out in the field. Glad the Hustler is
robust..that was part of the plan to be honest, given it is totally exposed
to westerlies (it will be guyed), plus it is relatively economical compared
to others on the market just now. 

It will be ground mounted radials, and it's a barefoot rig 100% CW so trap
heating should not be an issue. The rain tends to cool them anyway..... :-) 

Thanks again

73, Ian GM4KLN

-----Original Message-----
From: MM0BQI [mailto:MM0BQI at blueyonder.co.uk] 
Sent: 12 October 2009 22:33
To: gm4kln at cairn-ltd.co.uk; 'UK-Contest'
Subject: Re: [UK-CONTEST] Vertical radials

Hi Ian
I have a bit of experience with the Hustler, dragging it round most of 
Scotland over the past few years and it has served me very well!  I am sure 
the experts will fill you in on what you should do so I will just let you 
know what has worked for me.
I have tried lifting the base and using raised radials (two per band) which 
works okay but not enough to make me want to climb over lots of radials to 
get near the antenna.
The 20 foot radials will work fine if you have lots of them.  They should be

as long as you can manage, do not worry about specific lengths as tuning 
them will have no effect as they are so close to the ground. I usually work 
with 8 or 16 shortish radials and add two or four at 10m if I can find the 
space.  Not sure if this improves things but it makes me feel better!  There

is a difference you can hear between 8 and 16 radials, I have gone as high 
as 32 but the additional improvement was not worth the effort.
I believe the old adage applies that you should lay down as much wire as you

can in the space available, at least you will 'feel' you are then getting 
out as best you can!
For 80m I ran a 66 foot wire to the top of the aerial then away to a 
suitable post.  Even this very low inverted L knocked spots of the Hustler 
with the big loading couil at the top.
My traps heat up with 150 watts during RTTY contests so maybe watch out for 
that (I have the 5BTV and it is about 8 years old)
Enjoy the antenna, I am sure it will stand up very well to the 'slight' 
breezes you have up there.
73
Jim

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Ian GM4KLN" <gm4kln at cairn-ltd.co.uk>
To: "'UK-Contest'" <UK-Contest at contesting.com>
Sent: Monday, October 12, 2009 4:12 PM
Subject: [UK-CONTEST] Vertical radials


> Hi folks
>
> Just installing a 6BTV which will be at ground level on heavy, stony
> Scottish Highlands ground. Radials will be permanent, and lain on top of 
> the
> grass with a view to them disappearing into the ground by spring next 
> year.
> Interest is DX, contesting: NVIS minimal interest. 80m is not a key goal
> with this antenna - 20, 30, 40 are.
>
> There is enough room to get a 360 spread of 20' radials which will cover 
> the
> near field fine.
>
> But over and above this: am I likely to get any practical benefit from
> adding additional radials of 30' (in a bow-tie) or even 60' in certain
> directions  (i.e. diagonal in a rectangular plot)
>
> If so.....can these also be random length, or will tuned for lowest band
> (80) reap benefit.
>
> Any sources of radial wire in the Highlands also welcome!
>
> 73, Ian GM4KLN
>
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