On Mon, 14 May 2007 11:28:37 EDT, Michael Coslo wrote:

Vertical antennas have some interesting features, but the radials
required for them are a nuisance to install.

Ideally, we would like approximately 1 gazillion radials for a
vertical. In reality, we often settle for less. Much less.

When installing my Butternut HF6V, I ended up laying as many radials as
my poor aching hockey damaged back could handle, then the next weekend
repeated the process. I eventually stumbled upon a method that was fast
and painless. Well-as long as everything went well...

So what are you vertical users radial trenching secrets, anyhow? I'll
relay mine after things get started.


- 73 de Mike KB3EIA -

For AM broadcast they are normally run in with a modified plow, with a
guide tube for the wire on the trailing edge of the blade. Not
practical on a residential lot, but if you are in the country a little
welding could probably rig up a usable plow if you have access to a
small (but bigger than lawn size) tractor. I used to like to then
silver-solder the wire to a copper bus ring around the tower base.

In any event, a non-trivial task.

Bill KB0RF