[Antennas] Diminishing Returns - New Question

[David C. Hallam]

These are not to be tuned radials.  They will be ground mounted in the 
grass.  The antenna is a Butternut HV6V vertical.  To simplify matters, 
I will cut all the radials to 40 ft. which seems to be the about the 
minimum length recommended for the lowest operating frequency, 80M.

Why are verticals such a PITA?  I have dealt with yagis, quads, assorted 
long wires, and Windoms with never this much trouble.

Years ago when I was a novice I used a Mosley RV-4.  Ground mounted, no 
radials, no nothing and never had a problem with it.  I could work 
anyone I could hear.  I put the 80M loading coil on it, but worked 
little 80M.

David
KC2JD/4

Merv Stump wrote:
> Definitely do not strip the wire.  The insulation will have no affect on
> performance; will be much easier to work with and will last longer.
> 
> However, if you are planning to cut the radials to resonance keep in mind
> that insulated wire will be a little electrically long (probably somewhere
> between 1 and 3 percent).  So you will have to cut them a little shorter
> than you might have thought.
> 
> Regards, Merv W2OE
> 
> 
> 
>