Am in the process of installing a Hy-Gain DX-88 that I just picked up. It
has the 160 meter kit included. According to the manuals I should install 16
radials at 14 feet each if just using up to 80 meters. If I plan to use 160
meters than I should also install another 16 radials at 24 feet each.

The question: Would I better off to install all 32 of these radials (as per
the manual) or put down 4 radials cut to 1/4 wave length for 10, 12, 15, 17,
20, 30, 40, 80 and 160 meters? Putting down 1/4 wave radials on 80 and could
prove to be a problem real estate wise. I am out in the country but even
then I still have some limitations.

Sam - K7SAM

Sam,
Install as many 35 foot or longer radials as possible. They will work
fine for the higher bands, ie, 20-10 meters.
Radials do make the difference.
Good luck,
Jim, K4SQR

I assume this is a ground mount? In that case, measuring
the length of the radials is generally a waste of time.
Cutting them to resonance is not needed, unless they are
elevated. The most ground loss is directly at the base of
the antenna. So many short radials are better than a few
long ones. How tall is the vertical? If me, I would probably
run radials the same appx length of the antenna if I had a lot
of wire. But if limited wire, I would cut them shorter, and use
more of them. Only with elevated radials , do they need to be
resonant. Any radials on the ground will be detuned by the
ground. As far as the question, seems to me they would be
appx equal. The trimmed radials might be slightly better.
But not cuz they are tuned...Cuz, 4x9 bands =36 radials.
That would be slightly more wire at the base, than the 32
untrimmed radials... :/ And some would be longer than 24 ft... MK

The more radials the better. Many suggest that after 60 radials one hits the
point of diminishing return. I have 72 on my Hustler 5-BTV and it really
does make a huge difference. Mine add up to about 1300 ft of wire total.
Photos of the entire installation at...
1. http://www.ad5th.com/5-BTV.html

--

Charlie






"Topaz305RK" wrote in message
...

Am in the process of installing a Hy-Gain DX-88 that I just picked up. It
has the 160 meter kit included. According to the manuals I should install
16 radials at 14 feet each if just using up to 80 meters. If I plan to use
160 meters than I should also install another 16 radials at 24 feet each.

The question: Would I better off to install all 32 of these radials (as
per the manual) or put down 4 radials cut to 1/4 wave length for 10, 12,
15, 17, 20, 30, 40, 80 and 160 meters? Putting down 1/4 wave radials on 80
and could prove to be a problem real estate wise. I am out in the country
but even then I still have some limitations.

Sam - K7SAM