Since the radials of a ground-mounted
vertical are actually on, if not in, the ground,
they are coupled by capacitance or
conduction to the ground, and thus resonance
effects are not important. Basically, the
function of ground radials is to provide a low-
loss return path for ground currents. Longer
radials and more radials will reduce the
ground losses and effectively increase the
gain of the antenna. See the article entitled
"Radial Systems for Ground-Mounted
Vertical Antennas" by Brian Edward, pages
2830, QST magazine, June, 1985 for more
information.
It is recommended to use copper wire or
copperweld wire for the radials. The Hy-Gain
ground radial kit, model GRK-88 uses 7/23
Copperweld© wire. The wires may be
soldered to lugs and attached to the bottom of
the base bracket.
If the DX-88 vertical is installed on a garage
or house roof, a resonant radial system must
be used. The Hy-Gain model RRK-88 roof
radial kit may be used or you may construct a
radial system identical to it. See Figures 14
and 15.
Figure 14
DX-88 Resonant Radial System
Copperweld
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is a registered trademark of Copperweld
