Top Loaded Vertical Antenna with Ground Tuning Unit
If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P7lxt8EatDw This is post 2468 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. The importance of a good ground plane is amply demonstrated in this antenna experiment conducted by Australian radio amateur Peter Parker (VK3YE). Peter does an excellent job of showing how a top-loaded HF vertical antenna coupled with a superior ground system (i.e. the ocean) performs. For years I worked at a commercial AM broadcast station in Hilo, Hawaii that used a salt water marsh as its ground plane. Although the antenna was quiet short for its frequency (180 ft/54.87 m at 850 kHz), the station had an exceptionally strong daytime and nighttime signal. So, If you're forced to use a compromised vertical antenna, please try improving your ground radial or counterpoise system. Here are some general comments from Peter: Describing a ground tuning unit. A useful accessory if usi...