[Antennas] Vertical Antenna location

[Cletus W Whitaker]

de WB2CPN South Central Pennsylvania    2002.07.18

If the antenna is mounted closer than an approximate 1/4 from ground it
should have some radial wires to improve the ground reflectivity, not to
act as a "ground" in the traditional sense such as a 1/4 does.  It's a
good idea to run them out to a distance which is about 45 degrees from 
the center of the antenna.  If you mount it higher on a mast or a pole
you shouldn't need any "radials", but if you mount it on the top of a 
shed or a building you'll have to consider the "reflectivity" under the
antenna and in the near field.  No rules need apply.  My gut thought
about all 1/2 wave verticals, and all 1/4 wave verticals with radials,
is get them up high as possible so they get a good shot at the horizion.
There are exceptions, of course.          73   Clete