On Tue, 23 Dec 2008 23:29:47 -0500, Steve Stone
wrote:

I have a 5 band Hustler vertical.

Available install space in my backyard is an area adjacent to my septic
system leach field.

I really don't want to place the antenna in the middle of the leach
field and risk hitting an outflow pipe.
If I put it just outside of the reach of the outflow pipes the ground is
still relatively moist due to natural run off and the leach field.

So will this leach field moisture enhance or inhibit the verticals
performance due to soil conductivity.. or none of the above if the
antenna is installed as indicated in the Hustler installation manual. (2
radials per band using insulated copper wire, 4 foot
metal mast pounded directly into the ground, no concrete, no wood).

There is also a 4 foot high chain link fence surrounding my backyard,
300' x 150', one side about 25 feet from the potential install location.
No trees or shrubs closer than 15 feet from the vertical mast.

Steve
N2UBP
Just my two cents worth...
The moisture from the septic field won't hurt and it might help a
little.
The chain link fence is unlikely to be of any benefit and may be a
potential nuscience but it is unlikely there is anything you can do
about it. Until the mesh gets close enough to form a screen or the
lengths of components approach resonance it is likely to be invisible.
In my way of thinking the distance from the edge of the septic field
to the middle of it is insignificant.

Even if you don't damage the septic field you and everyone else
concerned about it will worry forever. Don't go there.

Four feet of metal mast in the ground sounds like an awful chore. I
think I would try less. If I drive anything it is usually a ground rod
and mount to that.

Use 1-1/2 inch fence staples to pin the radials to the ground and you
will be amazed at how well everything works! I tie the radials to the
ground rod with a stainless hose clamp, low cost & works fine.

John Ferrell W8CCW