Several places I’ve seen the results of experiments conducted measuring vertical antenna radiated field strength as the number of ground radials were increased. There is definitely a point beyond which the addition of more radials produces diminishing returns at increased expense and effort - and the number is around 40. However, the number is very dependent on local soil conditions and radial length.
References to several experiments... https://www.antennasbyn6lf.com/files/160_m_vertical_measurements.pdf <https://www.antennasbyn6lf.com/files/160_m_vertical_measurements.pdf> https://consumer.steppir.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Radial-Systems-for-Elevated-and-Ground-Mounted-Antennas-2.2-12_2018.pdf <https://consumer.steppir.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Radial-Systems-for-Elevated-and-Ground-Mounted-Antennas-2.2-12_2018.pdf> The latter reference also compares and contrasts ground vs. elevated radials. In short, you will require many more ground radials to match the performance of a few elevated radials. Some good reading! Steve AA8AF > > > 120 radials was a legal requirement of FCC Rules, and was primarily for > standardization of performance. > ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:[email protected] This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to [email protected]
