Vertical Radial Installation

[Al Parker]

Hi Bruce,
    Well, I'm sure your research has told you "mo is betta", and the mfgr 
will recommend plenty, so they can tell you you didn't have enuf when you 
ask about performance.
    I'm not sure if you're asking about how many, or how to install, but 
you've read about how many, and they probably don't give many ideas on how 
to install.
    I have a corded e;ectric edger for walkways, etc., which hasn't gotten 
used much for that purpose, but I installed a straight blade that will cut 
about a 1-1/2" deep slot in the turf, presto quicko, at whatever length you 
have room for.  That's the easy part.  I end up pressing radial wire down in 
the slot with a piece of flat steel about 1/8" thick by 1-1/2" wide, 
hunkering my way across the lawn.  I've pictured making a sandwich of 3 
circular discs ~ 1/8" thick, maybe 8 or 10" dia., with a shaft for an axle, 
& a  handle, like a bicycle wheel rim sorta, and just running (slowly, but 
lots faster than hunkering) and pressing the wire in as I went.  Haven't 
done that yet, still am many radials short of plenty, so maybe someday.
    I hope that brings up a helpful image.  I had a bunch of short reels of 
insulated, stranded  #14 wire given to me a yr or so ago, most have 75 ft or 
so on them, I've spliced a few for 160m radials, and used some ~64 & 32 ft 
lg for 80 & 40m, for my inverted L.  Uninsulated stranded wouldn't last long 
buried, but insulated oughta last at least several yrs, and I can't complain 
about the cost.  I've heard of using galvanized (steel) electric fence wire. 
Aluminum won't last long in most soils, bare copper OK, but $$ now.
    YMMV
73,
Al, W8UT
New Bern, NC
www.boatanchors.org
www.hammarlund.info


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "hudlerb1 at netzero.com" <hudlerb1 at NETZERO.COM>
Subject: [BOATANCHORS-TEMPE] Vertical Radial Installation


Hello BA listers,

I've just completely the install of my new HT 18 tower and now looking at 
the radial installation part....saved that for last.

Any helpful suggestions would be appreciated. I have done a lot of research, 
and yes the more the better, but there is a limit of return.....

Also, if anyone could send me  the info from QST June 1985, pages 28 - 30, I 
would greatly appreciate that too...it has an article about radial systems 
suggested by the manufacturer.

TIA Bruce WA3MKC

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