Question
Where should the radial wires of a ground-mounted vertical antenna system be placed?
Answer Options
- A) As high as possible above the ground
- B) Parallel to the antenna element
- C) On the surface or buried a few inches below the ground
- D) At the center of the antenna
Correct Answer: C
Explanation
For a ground-mounted vertical antenna (where the base is at ground level), the radial system acts as the highly conductive half of the antenna system, providing the necessary ground plane and low-loss return path for the RF current. To minimize resistive loss, this plane must be placed within the top layers of the soil where the current density is highest.
Therefore, the radial wires should be placed on the surface or buried a few inches below the ground. Burying them slightly protects them from lawnmowers and weather without significantly increasing losses.
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