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Radial System Suggestions
The use of a radial system is a key requirement for a high performance quarter wave vertical
antenna systems. 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, 32 radials, each 65 feet long, should be used with
most low band vertical antennas.
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 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. Radials can
also be buried just under the surface by using a power edger to make a slit in the soil.
Note: PTX-81343 Never-Seez® or DXE-NSBT8 Anti-Seize
must be used on all stainless steel
threaded hardware to prevent galling and to ensure proper tightening.
Note: The following assembly instructions are based on using an optional DXE-
VGMT-3GC Mounting Pipe, with the optional DXE-VRW-1 Manual Winch,
optional DXE-RADP-3 Radial Plate with one optional DXE-SSVC-3P V
Clamp and the optional DXE-363-SST - Bulkhead Fitting.
