Simple rule for (non resonant) radials in or on the ground:
1. Mo' - da better
2. Longer the better.
3. Better to use (insulated) wire on the surface than buried. Just stretch
it out and let the grass grow over.
4. Water before contest or major DX hunting.
5. Forget the above and set it up on the salty beach.

73 Yuri, K3BU


"James Philopena" wrote in message
news:_chYg.404$AR6.22@trndny02...

"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