[Elecraft] Re: Radials

[Bill Coleman]

On 1/18/02 6:02 PM, Edmund T. Wright at etw1@jeffnet.org wrote:

>I am thinking of putting up a vertical antenna.  My property borders on the
>Pacific Ocean.  

Excellent. Vertical antennas work extremely well near salt-water.

>My house (shack) is 43 feet above mean-low-water.  I have
>several large Sitka Spruce trees about level with my house that could be
>used to support a vertical. Do I need radials?  

Yes,  1/4 wave vertical need radials.

However, you could run some 1/2 wave verticals (eg vertical dipoles), 
which would benefit from proximity to water. You'll have to get them at 
least a 1/4 wave up in the air, though to avoid ground losses.

>If so, should I run them
>down to the water?

If you wish. The main benefit you have from salt water happens many 
wavelengths out from the antenna. Your radials probably aren't going to 
be that long.

If you put up a 1/4 wave vertical, put down 30 or so 1/4 wave radials. 
Should work great.



Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASEL        Mail: aa4lr@arrl.net
Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!"
            -- Wilbur Wright, 1901