Do vertical antennas need radials?
In fact, you don’t even have to run them underground. But you do need to install as many radials as possible for each band on which the antenna operates. That’s why several antenna manufacturers developed verticals that do not use radials at all. The most efficient of these verticals are actually vertical dipoles.
Does a vertical antenna have gain?
Vertical antennas include: Using this antenna, more power is radiated at a low angle of radiation, enabling gain to be obtained in the required plane.
How long should vertical antenna radials be?
Elevated radials should be electrically 0.25l long. Elevated radials should be at least 0.05l above ground and, for safety reasons, not less than 2m high. Two or four elevated radials can perform as well as an extensive ground radial system, although a greater number is likely to work better.
Is dipole better than vertical?
If cost is your primary consideration, the horizontal dipole is a great choice. All you need is wire, insulators, and some support rope to build this simple antenna. Vertical antennas naturally have a low angle of radiation, meaning you’ll have a good chance of making worldwide contacts.
Do I need a balun on my vertical antenna?
No you shouldn’t need a balun. A balun is to match a balanced antenna to an unbalanced feedline. Your vertical is probablu an unbalanced antenna, so no need.
Is there a problem with a vertical antenna?
There is currently only one thing that might be an issue with this mount… the ground pipe easily turns in azimuth. This is not too big a deal with a vertical antenna, but could be a problem if there is some kind of directional antenna on this system. Concrete would certainly solve this.
Do you need a weed trimmer for a vertical antenna?
A hard core requirement for this new antenna footing is no weed trimmer to maintain it – mower only please. My old antenna location did pretty well in this regard, but grass did grow “into” the radial plate from the perimeter requiring occasional hand trimming.
Can a concrete pier be used for an antenna?
His concern about pouring a concrete post hole pier is the dirt could loosen around the cylinder and cause antenna tilt which would be difficult to fix; Indeed a proper concrete pier involves a wide and deep foot which creates more work than probably necessary.