[Antennas] Radials vs salt water question!

[Pastor-kc1di]

-------Original Message-------
 
From: Bill Marx
Date: 01/19/04 19:37:56
To: Ron & Madhavi
Cc: antennas@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Antennas] Radials vs salt water question!
 
I dont understand some of the claims either.
 
I currently run an Butternut HF-2V with the 160 coil mounted at my seawall
which is on salt water. For 15 years I ran it with
radials out in to the salt water. However about 5 years ago I ran tests and
the radiation and SWR was the same or better with no
radials so the salt water works wonders for my signal hi. The HF-2V has been
in continuos use for over 20 years.
 
The so called no radial antennas are a compromise at best. In a mobile or
car setup a simple 102 inch whip works well because of the
metal on the car on 80. I tune it with the AH-4.
Bill Marx W2CQ

I had a friend here in Maine who lived right at the waters edge and ran a
vertical for many years It worked wonders on 160 /80 and 40 meters.  It was
a homebrew job and was tuned with open wire beleive it or not.. he had just
one counterpoise wire for each band.. 

But if your thinking you never need radials on verticals near salt water you
should read the accounts of the 6Y contest station story at 
http://www.k2kw.com/verticals/verticalinfo.htm

Verticals work well near the ocean , one of the reasons is that the ocean
provides a very clear shot at the horizon.. I used the equivilant of a
Hustler 4-BTV on my roof in Okinawa back in the 70's and it worked very well
, brought it back here to Maine and set it up and even with 65 radials it
was a poor performer.  Location means a lot with Verticals also.

Good Discussion,
73 , Happy Hamming ,
Dave KC1DI