Radial length

[74IN]

I have a spare Larsen 5/8 wave VHF mobile antenna I'm considering using as a base.

Will the radials still be 1/4 wave?

 

[rfoverlord]

yes, at least 1/4 wave

 

[W5LZ]

An alternative is that the radials should be at least as long as the radiating element. Huge difference in performance? Not really, but certainly can make a difference in matching. Since each situation is different, what ever works best, is best. Starting out with 'more' than needed is almost always easier than starting with less than is needed.
- 'Doc

 

[Master Chief]

19" radials and call it a day.

 

[rfoverlord]

would that be sloping or flat out ?

 

[Master Chief]

Sloping or flat; you decide. The matching network should take care of the match. If it was a quarter wave, you could approve the match by sloping the radials.

 

[74IN]

I think I'll try flat, I used sloping at about 40 degrees with a 19 1/4" antenna (1/4 wave), worked fine.

Thanks, all.