[Antennas] ground mounted vertical radials question

[Gareth]

Danny Richardson wrote:
> At 09:37 PM 11/10/2006, you wrote:
>
>> Hello to all.  Will be installing a Hustler 5BTV vertical on the 
>> ground, up
>> in the country where there is no problem with people tripping over 
>> radials.
>> The radials will NOT be buried.  They will be placed upon the 
>> ground.  Been
>> reading my reference material on radials, but would like to hear from
>> operators that have been there/done that.  The lowest band will be 80 
>> meters
>> and the highest 10 meters.   Hustler recommends at least two radials per
>> band.  Then, been reading W2FMI's book about short verticals.  Think 
>> he was
>> happy with about 40 radials.  Am I on the right track, the more 
>> radials, the
>> better, up to a certain point?  The soil there is very dry unless it has
>> been raining.  As soon as the sun comes out, there goes the moisture 
>> content
>> of the soil.  So, would it be better to spread, say 40 radials at 1/8
>> wavelength, or maybe 20 at 1/4 wavelength?  Would you spread some for 
>> just
>> 80, or do a combination of the different bands?  If this was salt 
>> water, bet
>> you could throw a coat hanger in there, but it is not.  Any good 
>> ideas?  I
>> am leaning towards less radials and longer radials, but experience is 
>> the
>> best teacher.  Thank you for your comments/recommendations, Dave, NC6P.
> David,
>
> It really comes down to how much time and expense do you wish to 
> invest? For most of us it is a balance between performance vs expense. 
> With that in mind I suggest you try and get a copy of Bob Sommers's 
> August 2003 QST article "Optimum Radial Ground Systems".
>
> If you can't locate a copy let me know and I'll be glad to help you out.
>
> 73,
> Danny, K6MHE
>
>   
>
Speaking of radials, what is the current recommendation for the beat 
type of wire?

Gary, N1MSV