Starduster short radials?

[nfsus]

Looking at a starduster, about half way up there are a couple of why they call short radials. Are they using that like a cap hat? What I always understood was the idea for proper function of a cap hat was on top of the antenna. Or better yet, what’s that mess do

 

[BC Coyote]

about half way up there are a couple of why they call short radials.

I've always wondered about those as well! When I had a starduster back in the day I was told that they helped increase the bandwidth of the antenna. The only other things I can think of is that they may help static dissipation or possibly help to make the impedence 50 ohms at the antenna base. They are not a cap hat, as that would have to be at the top and likely much longer elements.

 

[nfsus]

Look at the go-2745 by serio. And compare specs. No doohdah on that element. I dunno

 

[midnight special]

on the original a/s starduster those helped with bandwith ya could use it as a 2 meter antenna also