"Hank Zoeller" wrote in message
...
I'm constructing a vertical antenna and I'm about to start laying radials.

F/O will be 40 through 15 meters. The vertical element will be 26 feet in
height. There will be a remote controlled antenna coupler mounted at the
base. I'm using 18 AWG magnet wire for the radials. The radials will be
short (no options here) but there will be a lot of them. I plan on about
18" of separation between the radial tips and I have more than enough
radial wire to work with. The radials will be stapled directly to the
outer surface of the planet.

--
73,
Hank

Hank,

My understanding of a radial system is it is basically a very conductive
ground. Not so much a counterpoise - you try and make the earth the
counterpoise. Nonetheless, the ground will detune your radials. So, no
matter what length the radial, you have no way of predicting it's resonate
frequency. That will be determined by soil composition and moisture level,
etc. And it will vary from day to day.

I'm not sure, and some one else should chime in, but I am almost certain
that your radials should not be insulated from the ground. Magnet wire is
normally varnished and therefore insulated. Given your plan, chicken wire
would be better, and the cash value of the copper would more than pay for
it.

Jim

KB1NXE