Rob, I don't know you, but what I stated is absolutely true. I've been a broadcast engineer for 40 years, much of the time with a Potomac Field Intensity meter in one hand and a notebook in the other working on documenting AM broadcast antenna system performance and field signal strength. ( Also measured amateur systems on 160 and 80 meters when I could borrow the equipment. )
The losses from deeply buried radials is high and goes higher as the frequency increases. Yes the soil type and moisture content make a big difference, but close to the surface or on the surface is optimum. I know of what I speak. 73 Lloyd - N9LB SBE Professional Broadcast Engineer ( retired ) FCC 1st Phone ( a whole stack of them ) FCC General Radio License -----Original Message----- From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com]On Behalf Of Rob Atkinson Sent: Tuesday, December 09, 2014 4:28 PM To: topband@contesting.com Subject: Re: Topband: tool for install radials >One word of caution. >Don't put the radials too far under the surface. 2, 3, 4, or 5 inches down is too deep! Remember that you will be cooking the soil ( introducing losses ) between the radial wires and the surface. >Try to keep the radial wires an inch or less below the surface. That is absolutely not true. There is no difference in performance at any of those depths. 73 Rob K5UJ http://www.antennasbyn6lf.com/files/ground_skin_depth_and_wavelength.pdf _________________ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband _________________ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband