Zero FIve Inverted L on 43' Vertical - Should I build one? | Adding ground radials to reduce SWRs

In this video, I was planning to set up an Inverted L on my 43' Zero Five Vertical HF Antenna. I also show you my results with adding 9 43' ground radials and also adding the top rail fence post as a ground radial to see if it lowers the SWR.
#ZeroFiveAntenna
#GroundRadials
#MyAntennas
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Thank you for watching!

[@negatv0101]

Very similar setup here. I ditched the 4:1 unun, and added a remote tuner at the base of the antenna in its place. The MFJ-998RT is about the only option when running power, but it works well on the 43 footer up to 80m (160m would require adding loading coil). Next stop: SteppIR BigIR w 80m/coil option. Enjoy your videos btw.

[@DarrenN4VFR]

Thanks for the comments. Yeah, with the 998RT at the base of the antenna, it's the most efficient for the antenna with regards to transmit with very little loss . I was going to attempt to connect my 998RT bypassing the 4:1 Unun. StepIR antennas are nice but maybe next time for me. 73's

[@Orionshield1948]

I have the same Zero Five and when running an L add-on with 14g wide, I have added a length of parachute cord on the opposite side with some slack to help with any wind sag.

[@cockerspanielhome]

Interesting idea, I might try this myself. I am interested to see if it might help the antenna's performance. Thanks.

[@DarrenN4VFR]

I just put it up for the day and I put it back normal. It did work.

[@Andy2e0ree]

Great job Darren brother

[@DarrenN4VFR]

Thanks Andy! Have a great day!

[@Ei2iP]

The 998rt is rubbish, I have it here, and couldn't get it to tune on 80m, relays looks burnt. So I bought the Stockcorner JC4 instead, I should have it next week.

[@223Nebraska]

😎 Cool

[@LarryEmery-K1UO]

Have you ever tried adding the mfj 1405 80/160 COILmade specifically for adding to 43ft verticals to allow operation on 80/160.

[@DarrenN4VFR]

Not yet but thats a good idea.

[@LarryEmery-K1UO]

My Bad. Its actually the MFJ2904 coil assembly

[@g0fvt]

A number of points, firstly some lightning arrestors are unsuitable for high power use particularly with high SWR. As for the radials, adding more of them may not improve SWR but it will raise efficiency. FWIW the radials do not need to be a quarterwave long if they are on the ground. In general for a given length of wire total you are better using more radials of less length. Not being snarky, I can for example cite a case. Take a quarter wave vertical, at resonance it should have an impedance of roughly 35ohms and an SWR in the region of 1.5. (this would be with an ideal ground system). With a ground impedance of about 15 ohms the SWR would be near perfect but about 30% of your power is warming the earth. To be honest to fixate on SWR is not the way to optimal efficiency.

[@DarrenN4VFR]

G0FVT, Thank you for the interesting points. I heard that too that length doesnt have to be 1/4 wavelength but having many shorter ones will be efficient. The best thing to do is place a tuner at the base of the Zero Five Antenna. 73's de NVFR

[@g0fvt]

@@DarrenN4VFR , thanks for the reply, yes the tuner at the antenna would be an efficient solution but you may be surprised at how little advantage there is. Assuming I remember correctly your feeder is roughly 150ft of RG213 for a low SWR like 1.5 at the antenna on 3.8MHz your feeder loss is only increased by 0.04dB. If the antenna SWR was 3 the feeder loss due to the mismatch is only 0.3dB. My HF feeder is about 50ft long so I worry even less, of course on 10m the losses escalate in comparison. Enjoy your radio 73.

[@dougtaylor7724]

Nice amp Darren. Do you not have a big tuner in the line out? I have a SA2060 Heathkit that keeps the AL82 happy. Can’t beat the old school tuners.

[@DarrenN4VFR]

@Doug Taylor my new Amplifier has a built in antenna tuner. I've kept my Palstar AT2K as a backup.

[@AARON-K4RNA]

Can you just run a 80 meter dipole. Run it as nvis. Does not have to be high. Just 14 feet of the ground. That one tree is high enough do you have another? We call it a cloud burner. You need 60 feet on each side. I run a 100 foot 80 meter dipole. Cool video

[@DarrenN4VFR]

Thank you. I'm going to make a 80 meter double bazooka when I get a chance.

[@philnorcross8973]

I’m not being disrespectful I like watching your vids but those poly phasers need to be outside mounted on a copper ground rod.

[@DarrenN4VFR]

It's okay, I respect your comments. Yes, I will take that in consideration and mount it on my DX engineering radial plate.