Can’t get enough droop angle to achieve a good match? Simply adjust the antenna element
slightly longer than the factory 1/4 wavelength (up to 20% longer) settings and the impedance
will rise. This will cause the radials to be too long, so they may need to be pruned a bit. Be
aware that increasing the antenna 2% to 3% longer may require radials to be 5% to 7% shorter.
Once you have a good match, replace the factory default values by saving the new antenna (to
do this you will use the “create, modify” feature in the setup mode).
When the vertical is elevated you can get away with just one resonant radial, however, the pat-
tern won’t be omni-directional. You will have -12 dB to 15 dB null in one direction
Using a Vertical in on or Near Salt Water:
If you are lucky enough to have a dock over salt water, a vertical can offer unparalleled per-
formance for low angle DX. Simply mount the vertical to the dock and attach two radials per
band of operation. They can be stapled right to the dock if it is non-metallic. Mounting the
vertical in ground flooded by salt water a couple of times per day can be equally effective.
Proximity to the ocean improves the far field loss of a vertical and allows very low angle radia-
tion - get as close to the water as possible to enhance performance.
Due to the fact that RF does not penetrate more than 2 inches into the water, direct coupling (a
wire in the water) is difficult. Objects like metal floats or boats, providing they are large
enough, can make good grounds in salt water. If you are using a metal boat or large metal ob-
ject, corrosion is no longer a problem because the large surface capacitively couples to the wa-
ter. When using a small metal float (3 ft x 3 ft is just enough to “connect” to salt water), you
want to be certain that the metal does not corrode over time. For long term immersion, Monel
is a good (but fairly expensive ) choice.
2112 116TH AVE NE SUITE 1-5, BELLEVUE WA, 98004 WWW.STEPPIR.COM TEL: (425)-453-1910 FAX: (425)-462-4415
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Summary of Contents for BigIR - MK IV Vertical
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