[Elecraft] Small QRP antenna

[Fred Jensen]

Ground rods are pretty ineffective at RF, Dick although I'm not 
surprised your Inv-L works good.  It all depends on the quality of the 
"earth" around your antenna.  If yours is good, you're fortunate.  
Saltwater is great.  Keep in mind that you're trying to provide a return 
for an electromagnetic field which is extended in space.  The lower you 
can make the resistance of that return, the better.

If your radial field is elevated off the ground, they need to be 1/4 
wave [or so] long.  One will make a big difference over none.  Two in 
opposite directions will be better but not by as much. Additional ones 
will help but to a decreasing degree.

If your radial field is on the ground or buried, length doesn't really 
matter, nor do they all have to be the same length, straight, or evenly 
spaced.  All you're really doing with buried conductors is enhancing the 
conductivity of the "earth" return path over the space of the field.

Fred K6DGW
Sparks NV DM09dn
Washoe County

--Northern California Contest Club
--CU in the Cal QSO Party
--7-8 Oct 2017


On 12/29/2016 8:49 AM, Richard Fjeld wrote:
> With reference to below, I have a question please.  I put up a quarter
> wave inverted-L for 160 meters.  My only counterpoise is the ground rods
> at the base of the tower.  I wasn't expecting much, but it does so well
> I'd like to add a decent counterpoise.
>
> If I bury a quarter wave wire, would it be best to put it under the
> Ariel wire, or opposite from it?
> Thanks in advance,
> Dick, n0ce
>