[WVDXA] Question of the day

[Dave Heil]

Greg Lee wrote:
> My question is. I'm going to put up a vertical for 160/80 what length 
> should my ground radials be. And should i have different lengths for 
> each band?

I don't know your living situation, Greg, but install as many as you 
within reason.  If you have to bend 'em, that's not a problem.  One set 
will work for both bands.  I'd try to make at least a few of the radials 
near 1/4 wave for 160m though many short radials are better than a few 
longer ones.  After 16 radials, you won't notice much improvement until 
you get up into the 40's.  What you will likely notice is that the more 
radials you install, the narrower the 2:1 SWR bandwidth of the antenna 
will become. That's because it is becoming more efficient.  The lower 
SWR with fewer radials is due to loss.

> Question two.
> I have 2 verticals one is 65feet long(or close to it), and was told it 
> was the 80 meter vertical. the other is a 53 foot (or close to it) and 
> was told it was for 160. My question is. will the 65 foot work better on 
> 160 with a tuner than the 53 foot.....what configuration would be my 
> best way to go.

I'm not sure I understand.  If the 65' vertical is just tubing, it is 
resonant on 80m.  If the 53' vertical is loaded in some way, it could be 
for 160m.  Bottom loading is *not* the way to go on 160 unless you have 
no other options.  It'd be better to take a horizontal wire out another 
65 feet to a tree and make your system into an inverted L.  That keeps 
the current high in the antenna where it'll do the most for you.

> Come on you vertical guys help me out....Greg, W8GG

73,

Dave K8MN