Hustler 5BTV Radial Question...
 

I moved in December and was hoping to install a ground mounted Hustler 5BTV
vertical at my new place. I had hoped to lay down a good set of radials
under the vertical for better efficiency then the GAP Titan I had
previously.

In reading various sources it seems I need radials that are length coupled
to my lowest frequency of operation. Although I have 10 acres of land the
clear spot I was going to mount the Hustler in gives me only about 25 feet
in circumference for the radial bed. Fine for the higher bands but what
about 40 (31 ft) and 75/80 (62 ft)? For 40 meters I could just bend the
ends of the radials to fit and for 75/80 I know that I can zig-zag radials
to fit but can I cross lay them over the extended 40 meter radials ? Would
I be better off instead of cutting radials for the various bands to just lay
all 25 foot long radials ? Or.... should I junk this plan and just put up a
GAP with no radials ? I had hoped the Hustler might give better
performance.

Mike, W9WIS

--
--
Michael Melland, W9WIS
Redgranite, WI USA EN54lc
http://home.centurytel.net/w9wis/
'Non Sibi Sed Patriae'

"Michael Melland, W9WIS" wrote in message
...
I moved in December and was hoping to install a ground mounted Hustler 5BTV
vertical at my new place. I had hoped to lay down a good set of radials
under the vertical for better efficiency then the GAP Titan I had
previously.

In reading various sources it seems I need radials that are length coupled
to my lowest frequency of operation. Although I have 10 acres of land the
clear spot I was going to mount the Hustler in gives me only about 25 feet
in circumference for the radial bed. Fine for the higher bands but what
about 40 (31 ft) and 75/80 (62 ft)? For 40 meters I could just bend the
ends of the radials to fit and for 75/80 I know that I can zig-zag radials
to fit but can I cross lay them over the extended 40 meter radials ?
Would
I be better off instead of cutting radials for the various bands to just
lay
all 25 foot long radials ? Or.... should I junk this plan and just put up
a
GAP with no radials ? I had hoped the Hustler might give better
performance.

Mike, W9WIS

Just about everything you would need
http://www.dxengineering.com/Section...&DeptID=21#Top

Did you really mean 25 feet in circumference? I am assuming you really mean
radius. As long as the radials are equal to the height of the antenna you
will be in pretty good shape.

"Michael Melland, W9WIS" wrote in message
...
I moved in December and was hoping to install a ground mounted Hustler
5BTV
vertical at my new place. I had hoped to lay down a good set of radials
under the vertical for better efficiency then the GAP Titan I had
previously.

In reading various sources it seems I need radials that are length coupled
to my lowest frequency of operation. Although I have 10 acres of land the
clear spot I was going to mount the Hustler in gives me only about 25 feet
in circumference for the radial bed. Fine for the higher bands but what
about 40 (31 ft) and 75/80 (62 ft)? For 40 meters I could just bend the
ends of the radials to fit and for 75/80 I know that I can zig-zag radials
to fit but can I cross lay them over the extended 40 meter radials ?
Would
I be better off instead of cutting radials for the various bands to just
lay
all 25 foot long radials ? Or.... should I junk this plan and just put up
a
GAP with no radials ? I had hoped the Hustler might give better
performance.

Mike, W9WIS

--
--
Michael Melland, W9WIS
Redgranite, WI USA EN54lc
http://home.centurytel.net/w9wis/
'Non Sibi Sed Patriae'

Hi Fred,

Yes.... sorry for not being more specific, radius. I can go out farther but
then it's up in my yard where I mow pretty low. The 5BTV is ~24 feet
tall.... I have heard this formula for radials before.... but, is it really
meant actual "physical" height of the radiator and traps or is it really
meant to be the theoretical electrical length (height) of the radiator ?


And... I got the antenna and mounting/radial system from DX Engineering.


Mike, W9WIS

The physical height is fine for a ground mounted vertical. With the DX
engineering kit you can put down a bunch of radials.

I was always too poor for all those nifty things. I normally use the lid off
of a 55 gallon drum.:)


"Michael Melland, W9WIS" wrote in message
...
Hi Fred,

Yes.... sorry for not being more specific, radius. I can go out farther
but
then it's up in my yard where I mow pretty low. The 5BTV is ~24 feet
tall.... I have heard this formula for radials before.... but, is it
really
meant actual "physical" height of the radiator and traps or is it really
meant to be the theoretical electrical length (height) of the radiator ?


And... I got the antenna and mounting/radial system from DX Engineering.


Mike, W9WIS

On Sun, 17 Apr 2005 15:46:52 -0500, "Michael Melland, W9WIS"
wrote:

Hi Fred,

Yes.... sorry for not being more specific, radius. I can go out farther but
then it's up in my yard where I mow pretty low. The 5BTV is ~24 feet
tall.... I have heard this formula for radials before.... but, is it really
meant actual "physical" height of the radiator and traps or is it really
meant to be the theoretical electrical length (height) of the radiator ?

From page 20.20 of my Arrl 2000 Handbook: "...a large number of
shorter radials offers a better ground system than a few longer ones.
For example, 8 radials of 1/8 wavelength are preferred over 4 radials
of 1/4 wavelength. If the physical height of the vertical is 1/8
wavelength, the radial wires should be of the same length and
dispersed uniformly from the base."

bob
k5qwg




And... I got the antenna and mounting/radial system from DX Engineering.


Mike, W9WIS

"Michael Melland, W9WIS" wrote in message
...
Hi Fred,

Yes.... sorry for not being more specific, radius. I can go out farther
but
then it's up in my yard where I mow pretty low. The 5BTV is ~24 feet
tall.... I have heard this formula for radials before.... but, is it
really
meant actual "physical" height of the radiator and traps or is it really
meant to be the theoretical electrical length (height) of the radiator ?

And... I got the antenna and mounting/radial system from DX Engineering.

Mike, W9WIS

Mike -

OK - that sounds like a great setup
I have had best luck with running at least 3 or more of the specified length
in the Hustler manual.
Longer does not seem to improve.

w9gb

You can bury the radials using a chain saw, or edger, etc. Just slip wire
into slots in the ground.
And if you turn on the lawn sprinklers for a few minutes, you may see some
improvement.

The last verticle I had up was a 4BTV. I mounted it on top of a
chain link fence. I bonded the top rail to the mount pole and bonded the
link fence part as well. The top rail was at least 40 feet either side of
where the verticle was mounted. I got out like GANG BUSTERS! Usually people
who complain about verticles not radiating well are the ones who don't work
them against a good ground reference. 17 years as a broadcast engineer put
me onto good grounds....

73,
WB7FFI

"Michael Melland, W9WIS" wrote in message
...
I moved in December and was hoping to install a ground mounted Hustler 5BTV
vertical at my new place. I had hoped to lay down a good set of radials
under the vertical for better efficiency then the GAP Titan I had
previously.

Mike, W9WIS

It is true that the other half of the vertical antenna is the ground effect.
This cannot be emphasized enough. I have 72 radials (about 1300ft of wire)
under my ground mounted 5-BTV and I too am very pleased with the results. I
also used the DX Engineering stainless steel radial plate and tilt over
mount. Many many photos of this installation at my web site listed below.
The spring grass growth has covered the radials (previously covered with
soil too) now and I am mowing right across them with no trouble.

My 5-BTV assembled easily and tuned right up (swr plots on web site too). It
is by no means an eyesore but instead is sleek and really quite attractive
as ours in is the front portion of our side yard. So far it has held up to
winds with no guys.

Check it out at the site listed below....

--

Charlie
Ham Radio - AD5TH
www.ad5th.com
Live Blues Music
www.492acousticblues.com




"John Franklin" wrote in message
ink.net...
The last verticle I had up was a 4BTV. I mounted it on top of a
chain link fence. I bonded the top rail to the mount pole and bonded the
link fence part as well. The top rail was at least 40 feet either side of
where the verticle was mounted. I got out like GANG BUSTERS! Usually
people who complain about verticles not radiating well are the ones who
don't work them against a good ground reference. 17 years as a broadcast
engineer put me onto good grounds....

73,
WB7FFI

"Michael Melland, W9WIS" wrote in message
...
I moved in December and was hoping to install a ground mounted Hustler
5BTV
vertical at my new place. I had hoped to lay down a good set of radials
under the vertical for better efficiency then the GAP Titan I had
previously.

Mike, W9WIS