[Antennas] ground mounted vertical radials question

[Chris Keladis]

Jim Miller wrote:

Hi Jim,

> Dave;
> 
> We suggest 60 1/4 wave length radials for each vertical to our 4-Square
> and 2 element
> phased vertical customers, for best results. If space does not provide
> for 1/4 wave at 80 meters,
> use 1/4 w length for 40 meters.
> Try at least 20 radials & record resonant frequency.
> Then add 10 more and compare results.
> Continue until there are no changes, then you will sleep better knowing
> you have provided
> a very good ground return path for the 5BTV to work.

Here's a left-field question. Would using that steel garden edging stuff 
make good radials?

It's sort of like chicken-wire but is long and narrow with symmetric 
(square) wires.

I'm experimenting with it on a 5BTV, but can only do RX at the moment so 
i cant measure SWR, etc.

Given that the wires are perfectly parallel and at right-angles i'm 
thinking they should make a pretty good ground plane when rolled out on 
the ground and connected to the chassis of the antenna.

Any thoughts on this idea?



Thanks,

Chris.