You clearly showed that the counterpoise is as important as the antenna. I've heard a lot of people say they're using an earth stake with a long wire, which is virtually useless unless you've got really good earth conductivity, like living near a salt marsh. Best wishes nick
Great video to demonstrate the truth of the matter. In experimenting with radials, I found that a 17' vertical mast only requires a 17' counterpoise radial to work well. The idea that we need X number of radials isn't true in many cases. It depends. There is no magic formula, but a quarter wavelength of the lowest frequency is a good guide.
Thanks for your comment. I believe that if the quarter wave whip is sitting on the ground it’s better to have a good system of counterpoises but if the antenna is elevated then one radial is already enough for balancing the currents and to have an overall half wave system, just like a dipole. I think I prefer to have the antenna elevated, I believe less lossy. 73s, Diego
What type of cable and length did you use for the counterpoise? Also is there a way to auto-tune this antenna for the IC-705? .. .. .. Cheers!
You clearly showed that the counterpoise is as important as the antenna. I've heard a lot of people say they're using an earth stake with a long wire, which is virtually useless unless you've got really good earth conductivity, like living near a salt marsh. Best wishes nick
Thanks for watching Nick. Got some new toys lately.. new videos soon. Even though I’ll be traveling to Portugal next week.
Bye
Great video to demonstrate the truth of the matter. In experimenting with radials, I found that a 17' vertical mast only requires a 17' counterpoise radial to work well. The idea that we need X number of radials isn't true in many cases. It depends. There is no magic formula, but a quarter wavelength of the lowest frequency is a good guide.
Thanks for your comment.
I believe that if the quarter wave whip is sitting on the ground it’s better to have a good system of counterpoises but if the antenna is elevated then one radial is already enough for balancing the currents and to have an overall half wave system, just like a dipole. I think I prefer to have the antenna elevated, I believe less lossy.
73s, Diego
So where do you connect the counterpoise in radio?
I’m assuming it’s connected to the ground terminal.