[Elecraft] Radials for Verticals

[Fred Jensen]

On 6/30/2014 9:37 AM, Doug Person via Elecraft wrote:

> Getting them
> underground enough so a horse with steel horseshoes won't inadvertently
> dig one up while engaging in typical horse play ("horsing around" is a
> phrase with real meaning around here).

We refer to that as a "fruitcake attack."  Never know what provokes it 
but something gets into their heads.  I've come to the conclusion that 
there's quite a bit of extra room in their heads. :-))

> So I guess my biggest concern is that the wire will corrode rapidly as
> K9HZ has suggested in a direct email.  I have numerous lengths of old
> aluminum lying on the ground at my antenna site.  There does not appear
> to be the slightest bit of visible corrosion.  But perhaps being
> literally under ground as opposed to lying on the ground makes a big
> difference.

I think that will depend on the pH of your soil.  I had some buried #12 
Al wire that traversed a flower bed with a couple of Camellias which 
like acidic soil.  The wire corroded badly in the bed from the 
fertilizer but the rest was as good as when I buried it when I finally 
pulled it up.

>I might turn it
> into a very large loop antenna at about 40 to 50'.

My guess is that you'll be happier with the loop than a non-resonant 
vertical.  Loops are usually quieter than verticals too, although that 
may not be a problem for you.

73,

Fred K6DGW
- Northern California Contest Club
- CU in the 2014 Cal QSO Party 4-5 Oct 2014
- www.cqp.org