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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.
Included with the
DXE-ATSA-1
is one 500 foot roll of radial wire, a 14 gauge stranded copper with
a black relaxed PVC insulation wire. At a minimum, 20 radials, each 25 feet long, should be used
with this antenna. Using extra radials may 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 a 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
DXE-ATSA-1
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.
Refer to
Figure 11
.
Radial wires can be laid on the roots of the grass using the
included
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
Figure 11
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 Info
section. Radials can also be buried just under the surface by using a power edger to make a slit in
the soil.
Attaching Ground Radial Wires to the DXE-ATSA-1 Shelf
Using the included 500 foot spool of radial wire, cut 20 wires at 25 feet each. Strip off insulation at
one end of each wire and install and crimp one #10 Ring Terminal as shown in
Figure 12
. As an
option, the ring terminals may also be soldered to help ensure positive electrical connection and
long life.
Figure 12