"Jay in the Mojave" wrote in message
...
Hello Chad:

Greetings Jay:

The ground plane kits I have seen do not impress me. I see shorter than a
1/4 wavelength, and tilted down. I don't think this is worth the effort. I
have always wanted to add on 4 each 96 or 102 inch long fiberglass whip
antennas, mounted at the base of the antenna, and flat and level. But you
need to compare the field strength with the before and after ground plane
installation. And at different heights.

The difference will only be a dB or so (I haven't measured it either)
maybe even less than a dB or more! Let those with field strength
measurements tell all.

Another consideration is, how much is a dB or 2 dB worth in antenna
performance, as compared to distance in quiet skip times. Quit a bit!


I agree with your assessment on Ground plane kits. I don't have one because
it works now! Why change it? On another forum they are big on flattening
them out a tad to change the take off angle, those who have done this have
experienced coverage improvement. I don't know the exact angle but I can
get it for you if you want.





This is all good stuff here Chad! This all may be true, again field
strength measurements will tell who's lying and who ain't.




Yeah I know I worked in broadcast and have access to a field strength meter
from friends. They would be more than happy to drink my beer and play with
it That's who I borrowed the Spectrum analyzer from to make sure I was
clean on the output.



This would be a place to add on the level 1/4 wavelength ground plane
radials and test the audio interference again. It may be significantly
attenuated.




Or better yet it's time to fix the problems with the audio systems The
one with the most power (well over 1KW RMS) and proper wiring does not have
any noise AT ALL! It's just the stuff that has been known to have problems
in all installs be it amateur or not.



When it comes to antennas, no one can see where the RF Energy is going, so
field strength testing will set us free. I think your on the right track.

I agree, Thanks for you input and interest. I am no pro by any means. When
I worked in broadcast I was an audio guy, after it hit a composite signal I
was done with it I learned any RF from shutting up and listening, I would
then go home and ponder to come back the next day with questions.



It's nice to have someone with your experience around to share thoughts
with. I really appreciate it!



Have a great weekend,



Chad