Barry, Number 1 is true if, and only if, the antenna is used below 14 MHz. It's all a matter of feed point impedance. The higher the impedance, the less "ground dependent" the antenna will be for good efficiency. At 1/2 wavelength and above, The ground has limited effect on the antenna efficiency.
73, Ron AC7AC -----Original Message----- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Barry LaZar Sent: Monday, September 02, 2013 4:32 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] 43 Ft Vertical and Elecraft Tuners I know this isn't an answer to the basic premise of the raised question, but let me throw this out. 1. 43 ft. verticals that are ground mounted require a large, good ground system. 2. Depending on the band you are operating, the assumption of a high VSWR is correct. 3. High VSWRs on coax are a losing proposition. I use an 18' elevated vertical with an elevated radial system and a tuner at the base of the vertical. The reasons I do this are: 1. Elevated radial systems need not be as extensive as ground based radial systems; I have 4 radials, two 9 footers and two 19 footers. 2. 18 ft. is as high as I could get and still have my radial system close to where I wanted it; the tree was too low. 3. A tuner at the base of the vertical allows me to run coax all the way with an VSWR less than 1.5:1 on all bands. The question now is how does it play or compare. The answer is I don't have an absolute answer, but from what I see using WSPR at 1.5 Watts, it seems to play well. I only have only had the system up a few weeks and don't yet have enough experience with it to be more definitive. My gut tells me that this is a better overall system than expensive, commercial verticals. Almost everything is available from Home Depot except the tuner and a few insulators. I hope this has triggered some curiosity. 73, Barry K3NDM ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
