[UK-CONTEST] Fwd: Vertical radials

[Paul Beecham]

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Paul Beecham <paul at attenuate.org>
Date: Tue, Oct 13, 2009 at 10:14 AM
Subject: Re: [UK-CONTEST] Vertical radials
To: gm4kln at cairn-ltd.co.uk


Hi Ian et all,
In the final stages of a radial project here please see some pics that
might be useful
http://www.g6pz.com/2009/09/22/80m-4-sq-radial-system/
The best thing that I have found to pin the radials down with is 3mm
galv fencing wire ( available on Ebay or B & Q etc ) bent to shape
while still on the coil and then cut to shape and hammered home over
the wire.

73 Paul G6PZ

On Tue, Oct 13, 2009 at 7:57 AM, Ian GM4KLN <gm4kln at cairn-ltd.co.uk> wrote:
> 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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>
>
>
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