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Radial System
The use of a radial system is a key requirement for a high performance quarter wave vertical
antenna system. With a vertical antenna system, the radials are the second half of the antenna. The
radials contribute to the radiation efficiency of the entire vertical antenna system.
At a minimum, 20 radials, each 32 feet long, should be used with this antenna. Using 32 radials at
65 feet long is preferred and highly recommended. The extra radials help overcome unknown poor-
soil conditions, improve bandwidth, and ensure the best
performance possible from the vertical antenna.
DXE-RADW
Radial Wire, a 14 gauge stranded copper with black relaxed PVC
insulation wire is suggested for the best results.
The wire radials should placed as symmetrically as possible
straight from the feedpoint around the vertical antenna and spaced
evenly, regardless of how many radials are used. Do not cross or
bunch any radial wires as this nullifies their effectiveness. If you
have limited space, put in as many straight radials as you can. The
radials must be connected to the shield of your feedline. The
DXE-RADP-3
Stainless Steel Radial Plate is an ideal optional
item which provides an excellent system for attaching radial wires to your vertical antenna system
feedpoint.
Radial wires can be laid on the roots of the grass using
DXE-STPL
Radial Wire Anchor Pins to
hold them down. Using enough staples will ensure the wires will not be snagged by mowers,
people, or animals. Grass will quickly overgrow the radials and it will be virtually impossible to see
them. An article describing this process is available on the DX Engineering website in the
Tech
Support
section. Radials can also be buried just under the surface by using a power edger to make a
slit in the soil.
Mounting Pipe
Use a customer supplied thick-walled galvanized steel mounting pipe
at
least
4 feet long. This will allow approximately 2 feet or more to be
below ground and 20 inches above ground. A thick-walled steel pipe 1-
3/4" OD to 2" OD
maximum
is recommended with a minimum thickness
of 1/8" (1/4" preferred) should be used. The standard 1-1/2" galvanized
water pipe (with its 1.9" OD) is just fine for this application and can
usually be found at your local home building supply store. For
permanent mounting, use a post-hole digger to make the hole deep
enough to accommodate at least 2 feet of pipe and a couple inches of
gravel at the bottom for drainage. Set the mounting pipe on the gravel,
use the pre-mix concrete to fill around the pipe, adding water and mixing
as you fill or mix the concrete first, then pour in the hole (depends on the
type of concrete you purchase). Fill the hole until the concrete is level
with the ground around it. Use a level on the mounting pipe as you fill
the hole to be sure is vertically straight. Allow to set overnight. Your
