[Elecraft] On ground - in ground radials

[Bill Frantz]

On 1/17/22 at 10:52 AM, w3tb.ted at gmail.com (Ted Edwards W3TB) wrote:

> Good methods for getting the wire down.
> Separate Question:  What about using an insulated wire that way?


K9YC recommends <http://k9yc.com/160MPacificon.pdf>:

Guidelines for All Radials
• Insulated wire holds up longer
• #18 minimum size for durability
–Large spools hard to buy
• #14 THHN (house wire) works well
–Mass market items often less expensive and easy to find
–Discount for 6 or more spools at big box stores (Home Depot, Lowe’s)


He says about ground screens:

Ground Screens Can Work
• Some AM broadcasters use a heavy copper mesh, typically 40 ft square
  surrounding the tower, with radials connected at perimeter of the mesh
• Provides very effective shielding between antenna and earth where
  current density and magnetic fields are strongest
  
Some Ground Screen Solutions
• Use strips of 3-ft or 5-ft wide galvanized hardware cloth
  –~ $350 for 600 sq ft, 19-gauge
• Or strips of galvanized welded wire fencing 2” x 2” or 2” x 4” grid
  –~ $ 150 for 600 sq ft, 14 gauge
• Or strips of galvanized wire mesh, 1” x 1” squares

Some Ground Screen Solutions
• If possible, lay strips out radially in four directions
• Use alternative layouts when it’s the best you can do
–A single strip, centered below the antenna if possible, or even two running
 parallel to each other
–More is better

For more details and references see the website.

73 Bill AE6JV

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