[Elecraft] Field use of Counerpiose

[Don Wilhelm]

Gerry,

If your purpose for your "counterpoise" is simply to complete the 
antenna, then it does not make much difference whether it is grounded or 
not.
But if its purpose is to keep RF off the enclosure of the rig, there is 
a difference.  If it is 1/4 wavelength long, then it should not be 
grounded - just like any 1/4 wavelength wire, it is a low impedance 
point at the 'shack' end.
OTOH, if it is 1/2 wavelength long, ground it to produce a low impedance 
at the 'shack end.

A bit of study on antennas and feedline characteristics may be helpful. 
The 'counterpoise' acts like an antenna wire.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 6/11/2017 4:44 PM, Gerry Miller wrote:
> 
> Does one ground to earth, the far end of an HF counterpoise or just let it float above ground at a field location?  I had always believed it should not be grounded.