But why "ground" the end of a bare buried radial that's already buried in the ground?? Probably be more effective to just soak the area with Calcium Chloride or something!
A radial network of elevated resonant radials is NOT a "non-resonant counter-poise". In fact an 80m 1/4 wave vertical or a 160m inverted L each with a few elevated resonant radials are just a "ground-plane" antennas, for Pete's sake! And its properties are well known and documented and have been for decades! (but some people much prefer "dirt"!) "If you believe- no proof is necessary. If you don't believe - no proof is possible"! FWIW 73, Charlie, K4OTV -----Original Message----- From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Bob Eldridge Sent: Saturday, January 25, 2014 6:53 PM To: topband@contesting.com Subject: Topband: grounding the ends of radials > but if it was done with a ground rod that's not really much of a "ground" > for rf. It isn't there to "provide a ground". It is there to intercept "return" rf, which "flows" not far below the surface. So a "ground spike" is a more appropriate term. "Ground rods" are good for safety purposes. Yes, I am assuming insulated wire laid on or near the surface. But grounding the far end of buried bare radials doesn't do any harm. >>A single ground rod at the base of a vertical isn't going to provide >>much of a ground. True. But a ring of short grounding spikes, connected together and back to the base (U.S. Army tactical grounding system), provides a reasonable alternative to a metal plate. >> The radial network is a non-resonant counterpoise. Sometimes, but not always. Bob VE7BS _________________ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband _________________ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband