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convenience. In general, a large number of short radials are preferable to a small number of longer
radials for a given amount of wire, especially if fewer than a dozen radials are to be used. Unlike
resonant radials that must be cut to the proper lengths for use with elevated verticals, ground-level
radials need not to be cut to any particular length; their sole purpose is to provide less lossy return
paths for currents flowing along the earth than the earth itself can provide. And, since "return"
currents will be flowing back to the antenna from all points of the compass, the radial wires should
be spaced uniformly over 360 degrees, although physical circumstances will often make this "ideal"
distribution impossible. For a discussion of ground system for elevated verticals, see the section
entitled "Above Ground Installations" following Checkout and Adjustment instructions.
At a minimum, 20 radials, each 32 feet long, may be used with this antenna. Using 32 radials at 65
feet long are preferred and highly recommended for the best performance on 80 meters with this
antenna. The extra radials help overcome unknown poor-soil conditions, improve bandwidth, and
ensure the best performance efficiency possible from the Butternut®HF6V antenna. Radial Wire, a
14 gauge stranded copper with black relaxed PVC insulation wire is suggested for the best results
for ease of installation and being able to withstand foot traffic over the radial wires without
breaking smaller gage wires.
The wire radials should placed as symmetrically as possible
straight from the feedpoint around the vertical antenna and spaced
evenly, regardless of how many radials are used. Do not cross or
bunch any radial wires as this nullifies their effectiveness. If you
have limited space, put in as many straight radials as you can. The
radials must be connected to the shield of your feedline. A
Stainless Steel Radial Plate is the ideal optional item which
provides an excellent system for attaching radial wires to your
vertical antenna system.
Radial wires can be laid on the roots of the grass or on bare ground
using Radial Wire Anchor Pins to hold them down. Using enough
staples will ensure the wires will not be snagged by mowers, people, or animals. Depending on
where you live and the type of grass you have, grass will quickly overgrow the radials and it will be
virtually impossible to see them. Radials can also be buried just under the surface (approximately 1”
- anything deeper and you will start losing effectiveness) by using a power edger to make a slit in
the soil.
NOTE: The function of a ground rod is to place the antenna at D.C. ground potential. It cannot
take the place of an effective RF ground system, such as a number of radial wires, regardless of its
depth in the earth. It does, however, serve as a convenient tie-point for such radials, as does the bolt
through mounting post w/insulator (A) to which radials can be connected by means of the remaining
#8 hardware.
