Joel Kolstad wrote:
wrote in message
...
wrote:
Ok, I think I am learning something here. If radials simulate earth,
would using a solid steel plate instead of radials be better?

Depends on how you define "better".

For an elevated antenna, once you get beyond about 3 or 4 radials, the
increamental difference in performance for added radials is such that
you would never notice it in a practical application.

Doesn't it somewhat depend on frequency? I.e., how electrically large those
radials appear to the antenna?

I ask due to having seen how commercial AM radio station antennas are
built -- usually something pushing a dozen radials, often over a wire mesh
as well.

I'm thinking that in the case of a commercial station, they often multiple
phased antennas to try to precisely control their radiation pattern, in
which case have each antenna be 'as ideal as possible' probably helps.

---Joel

Notice the words "For an elevated antenna" which presumes you are working
at a frequency where there is no problem with 1/4 wave radials.

For low frequencies, as in AM broadcast and the lower HAM bands, elevated
antennas become impractical and must be ground mounted, which means the
radials are usually buried as well as there may not be enough room
for 1/4 wave radials.

For radials on or in the ground, usually 4 to 8 1/4 wave radials is
good enough.

If space is limited so 1/4 wave radials aren't possible, the number
required goes up.

The ARRL Antenna Handbook has a good discussion on this.

You might also look at http://www.cebik.com/radio.html which has a couple
of articles about radials, buried and otherwise.

--
Jim Pennino

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