It depends on how good your ground plane is. W8JI has an interesting page about FCP vs radials. http://www.w8ji.com/fcp_folded_counterpoise_system.htm
Perhaps you could measure the current on your existing radial system for additional insight. Art NK8X ᐧ On Thu, Dec 3, 2015 at 2:52 PM, Chortek, Robert L. < robert.chor...@berliner.com> wrote: > Dear Fellow Topband Enthusiasts: > > > I'm hoping to get a little help here: > > > Q: Will I see noticeable improvement if I change my radial system to a > FCP and/or raise the base of my elevated vertical? > > > Background: I have a 60 foot tall vertical I use on 80 meters, which I > also base load for 160. The antenna is fed at the base about 3 feet off > the ground. The radial system consists of 12 gull wing radials (8 for 160 > and 4 four 80) which slope up to the roof about 10 feet or so high, then > make a 90 degree turn and then run roughly parallel to one another but fan > out somewhat (6 and 6) The radials essentially form a U shape (base of the > U slopes up to the roof and then the legs of the U are on the roof because > that is what my lot allows. > > > 1. If I were to replace the radials with a FCP system (and raising the > base of the antenna from 3 feet to 8 feet), would my transmitted signal > improve to the point where anyone would notice? > > > 2. If I just raised the base of the antenna from 3 feet to 8 feet and > kept the existing radial system would my transmitted signal improve to the > point where anyone would notice? > > > As a frame of reference, I have worked 144 countries on 160 from a 1/4 > acre city lot in San Jose, CA. and worked nearly 200 on 80, so I am having > some success. Just trying to figure out what I could do better. Please, > let's not talk about top loading vs. base loading because that is not my > question (I understand the benefits of top loading vs. base or center > loading, but have my reasons for using base loading - for now) . > > > Any help would be greatly appreciated. > > > 73, > > > Bob/AA6VB > _________________ > Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband > _________________ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband