rjr@mgweed.UUCP (Bob Roehrig) (03/25/85)
I believe the "simple" rules for radials are: The more the better, and should be 1/4 wave long (some 1/4 wave long for each band for multi- band antenna systems). I have an inverted "L" also however mine is about 25'vert and 75' horiz. I buried 5 radials which are fanned out from the base of the tower that supports the L portion of the antenna. The radials vary in length from 50 feet to 75 feet. The radials are #12 insulated, stranded "appliance wire". I don't think it makes any difference if the wire is bare or not. I use this antenna on 160, 80, and 30 meters with no rf in the shack. (about half-way out the horiz. portion I have a loading coil that tunes it to just above the high end of 160 meters). Any radials are better than none, regardless of length. I don't know what it will do to the radiation angle. Bob K9EUI