shure..
He's correct. The unmatched feedpoint impedance of a 1/4 wave vertical over real ground is around 37 Ohms. Altering the angle of radials raises or lowers the feedpoint impedance.
shure..
If you've tied the coax to the metal mast you'll have common mode on the coax and this may affect the SWR reading. Create a RF choke, place it at the antenna socket or as near as possible and bring the coax down keeping it away from the mast.
It'll reduce or hopefully eliminate common mode current, may lower noise and it'll probably have an effect on the SWR.
Thanks for the info. I still have to make a rf choke for my A99. I read that I could make one consisting if eight turns and right inches in diameter.
So I don't have to look it up again, do I need an RF choke on a horizontal dipole? If I do, I might not have enough coax left to make one that is adequate.
So I don't have to look it up again, do I need an RF choke on a horizontal dipole? If I do, I might not have enough coax left to make one that is adequate.
Unless you can guarantee your antenna is truly balanced you'll have common mode on the coax. How much is anyone's guess and it may or may not be a problem.
I would say given your situation just to keep an eye on things and if you start experiencing TVI or RF on your audio to put one in.
5 turns of RG213 or RG58 on a 4.25" diameter former is what you need and should give you 8k Ohm choking impedance on 26-28MHz.