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
