- 6 -
https://www.dxengineering.com/techarticles/verticalantennainfo/how-to-put-
amateur-radio-radial-wires-down-without-digging
. Radials can also be buried just under the surface
(approximately 1” - anything deeper and you will start losing effectiveness) by using a power edger
to make a slit in the soil.
NOTE:
The function of a ground rod is to place the antenna at dc ground potential. It cannot take
the place of an effective RF ground system, such as a number of radial wires, regardless of its depth
in the earth. It does, however, serve as a convenient tie-point for such radials, as does the bolt
through mounting post w/insulator (A) to which radials can be connected by means of the remaining
#8 hardware.
The Optional Butternut Radial Plate
A Stainless Steel Radial Plate is an ideal option for the radial system that is needed for the
Butternut
®
HF9V vertical antenna. The radial plate can be set on the ground. When the antenna is
installed, run a short piece of copper strap from the radial plate to the lower connection of coil Q
mounted on tube (A) of the HF9V or mounted on the antenna base if the optional
BUT-MPS
Mounting Post Sleeve is used. In either case, a ground wire attachment from the lower tube (A) to
the Radial Plate should be made to ensure a good RF connection. This is the same stainless steel
Radial Plate that is used on all Butternut vertical antennas and has proven itself to be an
enhancement that really works well for vertical antenna systems.
Optional Radial Plate shown installed.
Note: The
DXE-RADP-3
has a mounting area for a dual SO-239. This is NOT used for the
Butternut HF Verticals because of the matching 20 meter 75 ohm coax cable that is used. Leave the
mounting hole blank.
Aluminum Tubing Information
When assembling any telescoping aluminum tubing sections you should take the following steps:
1. Make sure the edges are smooth and not sharp. Deburring may be necessary, since burrs and
