18
If you have limited space, put in as many straight radials as you can. Radials must be connected to
the antenna feedline shield. The
DXE-RADP-3
Stainless Steel Radial Plate is an ideal optional item
for making radial connections. The corrosion resistant stainless steel plate provides an excellent
reliable system for attaching radial wires to your vertical antenna system feedpoint.
Radial wires can be laid in shortly mowed grass using
DXE-STPL-100K/BD
Steel or
Biodegradable Radial Wire Anchor Staples to hold them down. Use enough staples to 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
or single blade plow to make a slit in the soil.
Figure 5
shows a typical radial field for a four square system. The positions 1, 2, 3, and 4
correspond to the controller positions. In North America, the desired default position is toward the
North East for best DX to Europe. Your location and desires may vary.
Default Position
is North East (1)
Note the radials are 1/4-wavelength long
except where they meet from one of the
other vertical antennas.
Therefore the radials will vary in size from
1/4-wavelength to 1/8-wavelength
dependent on position in the radial field.
Figure 5 - Typical Radial Field
