[Elecraft] Home made Sigma-GT5 & KRC2 or SGC?

[Vic Rosenthal]

Earl W Cunningham wrote:

> As far as angle of radiation is concerned, the take-off angle is
> determined by the far-field soil conductivity in the area.  A vertical
> antenna's ground radials have absolutely no effect (unless they are
> several wavelengths long and many!) on the angle of radiation from the
> antenna.

Consider the case of a ground plane antenna with one elevated radial. 
There will be plenty of radiation from the radial itself, since there is 
nothing to balance it.  Since the radial is relatively close to the 
ground, it will be high angle radiation.

You are right that the takeoff angle of the radiation from the vertical 
element is not dependent on the radials, but if the current in the 
radials is unbalanced, THEY radiate.  That's why a ground plane should 
have at least two radials, and they should be as symmetrical as possible.

-- 
73,
Vic, K2VCO
Fresno CA
http://www.qsl.net/k2vco