Vertical Antenna Radial Field

[KB5SXC]

Not being a smart man, I spend hours upon hours trying to learn and retain the few things I'm capable of, that being understood, I have an unanswered question. Has anyone done any research on, or used aluminium foil for the construction of a radial field for vertical antennas?

[W6ONV]

Nope, not I. In my limited experience and limited backyard space I decided upon a radial system that fits my backyard dimensions. At best it is a compromise, but still have had good luck with my radial system. I did a Google search and there was a discussion, here about aluminum foil being used as a test. With your research I am sure you have heard chicken wire is another way to go.

[WN9HJW]

Not being a smart man, I spend hours upon hours trying to learn and retain the few things I'm capable of, that being understood, I have an unanswered question. Has anyone done any research on, or used aluminium foil for the construction of a radial field for vertical antennas?

If you're talking about putting it on the ground or burying it or leaving it outdoors, aluminum foil will corrode away to nothing in a matter of weeks, or even faster.

[KB5SXC]

Down the road, by the creek, there are Beer cans that have been in the soil for maybe twenty years that have suffered no major ill effects of corrosion, that's one of the things that made me wonder on using foil for a radial field. (no I don't fetch aluminium cans for cash.)

[WS2L]

The only other thing I have heard used for a radial system other then wire radials is to use chicken wire. I have not seen any research on the matter nor have I heard anyone compare the two to see which one is better overall. If you have limited space in your back yard and can not fit wire radials I don't see a problem with using chicken wire.

I am curious though how well the chicken wire would work because I have been considering doing the same thing.

[W0DV]

Not being a smart man, I spend hours upon hours trying to learn and retain the few things I'm capable of, that being understood, I have an unanswered question. Has anyone done any research on, or used aluminium foil for the construction of a radial field for vertical antennas?

Foil isn't going to last long. Make slits in the ground and insert 14 gauge wire. I buried 20 radials this way. I'm going to add more soon. This time i thought I would lay the wire on the ground and secure them with yard staples and see how that works.
Dave

[WN9HJW]

Down the road, by the creek, there are Beer cans that have been in the soil for maybe twenty years that have suffered no major ill effects of corrosion, that's one of the things that made me wonder on using foil for a radial field. (no I don't fetch aluminium cans for cash.)

Cans are made of a different alloy composition and different temper than foil. Foil is closer to pure aluminum and is a soft temper. Composition and temper affect the corrosion of aluminum a lot.

[AG3Y]

Aluminum cans are probably coated with a thin layer of plastic, too. Not sure about that, but I seem to remember hearing it somewhere. Regardless, there is certainly SOMETHING on them that we see as the label !

Chicken wire is a poor choice, especially in acetic soil. Go with copper, you will NOT be sorry !

The common consensus seems to be that there should be somewhere around 32 radials around the base of the antenna. That gives you the greatest return for your effort, and although the performance may be better with a greater number, the "law of diminishing returns" kicks in big time above 30 radials.

Unless the radials are elevated, the length is not that important, although you certainly will see better performance if you get 1/4 wavelength at the lowest frequency you intend to operate. If you have to make a compromise, more, shorter radials will work better than fewer longer ones.

Hope this helps. 73, Jim