2
$\begingroup$

This is a rather common belief among amateur radio operators, but is it true? A NEC analysis provides some insight on this concept.

Improve this question
$\endgroup$

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
2
$\begingroup$

Below is a NEC4.2 study comparing the fields radiated by an eighth-wave, series-fed vertical monopole driven against sets of thirty buried radials of 1/4 and 1/8 wavelength (other things equal).

The X axis shows field intensity (E), and the Y axis shows elevation (Z) above a flat Earth ground plane, at a horizontal distance of 100 meters from the base of the monopole.

The antenna system with 1/4-wave radial lengths generates a maximum field intensity 12.5% greater than the system with 1/8-wave radials.

The corresponding improvement in radiated power is 1.125² x 100% = 26.6% (approximately).

The increased radiation efficiency is the result of collecting more of the r-f currents flowing on and below the surface of the earth within a 1/2-wavelength radius from the base of the monopole, as a result of its radiation. The r-f resistance of the set of buried radials is a series circuit element whose I^2R loss reduces the r-f current that flows along the monopole, itself.

enter image description here

Improve this answer
$\endgroup$
2
  • $\begingroup$ 1.125² ≈ 1.0 dB, no? $\endgroup$
    – rclocher3
    Sep 5, 2019 at 21:08
  • $\begingroup$ Yes, approximately so (1.023... dB). $\endgroup$
    – Richard Fry
    Sep 5, 2019 at 21:38

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .