Asymetrical radials?

[WK8G]

Am planning a vertical at new QTH witch is open on 2 sides and bounded by thick woods on the other two.I can't get many radials in the wooded area. If I put most of my radials on only two sides what can I expect? Will the antenna perform better in the direction with the radials? What do you think?

Jim, WK8G

[WB2WIK]

Am planning a vertical at new QTH witch is open on 2 sides and bounded by thick woods on the other two.I can't get many radials in the wooded area. If I put most of my radials on only two sides what can I expect? Will the antenna perform better in the direction with the radials? What do you think?

Jim, WK8G

Yep.

But lay down as many as you can and see how it works. "Woods" normally wouldn't stop me from putting down radials, unless they're off my property. If there's a lot of roots in the way, just lay radials over them and staple them to the ground...they'll (visually) disappear before long.

[NS8N]

Jim,

As I am in the process of erecting my own vertical, I have done a lot of reading on the subject. It is important that your radials be "tuned" if it is elevated. If it is straight, ground-mounted the length of the radials is less of a factor. I plan on roof-mounting my vertical and will be doing some experimenting with radials. Most hams + the antenna book recommend 4 radials cut to 1/4 wave (assuming your antenna is indeed a 1/4 wave) for each band. I will be cutting 4 for the lowest band for my antenna, try it out a week and then add the rest of the radials for the other bands.

Ground-mounted is a whole other ball of wax, however. Everything I have read seems to be the more the better.

[WB2WIK]

Jim,

As I am in the process of erecting my own vertical, I have done a lot of reading on the subject. It is important that your radials be "tuned" if it is elevated. If it is straight, ground-mounted the length of the radials is less of a factor. I plan on roof-mounting my vertical and will be doing some experimenting with radials. Most hams + the antenna book recommend 4 radials cut to 1/4 wave (assuming your antenna is indeed a 1/4 wave) for each band. I will be cutting 4 for the lowest band for my antenna, try it out a week and then add the rest of the radials for the other bands.

Ground-mounted is a whole other ball of wax, however. Everything I have read seems to be the more the better.

The more, the better is certainly right. In fact, a ground "screen" made of woven copper is better than individual wires. All we're trying to do is reduce earth losses, which can be very high since earth is a lousy conductor, everywhere.