Ground Vs Counterpoise what to use for portable and POTA verticals

Step-by-Step Tutorial: Ground Vs Counterpoise for Portable and POTA Vertical Antennas

Introduction:

• This tutorial will guide you through the options for creating a ground or counterpoise for portable vertical antennas based on the insights from the video "Ground Vs Counterpoise - What to Use for Portable and POTA Verticals" by Jim's Cool Stuff.

Materials Needed:

• Portable vertical antenna base loaded with a coil
• Ground Spike
• Long radials (quarter wavelength)
• Short radials
• Elevated radials
• Window screen
• Laminated aluminum foil
• Faraday fabric
• Common mode choke
• Coaxial cable
• Telescoping whip
• SWR meter
• Dummy load

Step 1: Understanding Ground and Counterpoise Options

1.1. Portable vertical antennas require a ground plane or counterpoise for optimal performance. 1.2. Options for creating a ground or counterpoise include ground spikes, long radials, short radials, elevated radials, window screens, laminated aluminum foil, and Faraday fabric.

Step 2: Evaluating Ground Spike Performance

2.1. Ground Spike acts as a mechanical support for the antenna but may not provide optimal results. 2.2. Coaxial cable alone may not yield good SWR readings on any band. 2.3. Experiment with ground screens or radials to enhance performance in different ground conditions.

Step 3: Testing Ground Screens and Radials

3.1. Conduct tests using window screens, Faraday fabric, and aluminum foil to measure SWR readings. 3.2. Increase the area of the ground screen to improve SWR results. 3.3. Capacitively couple the ground screen to the ground for better performance.

Step 4: Exploring Long Radials vs. Short Radials

4.1. Test long radials and short radials to compare SWR readings. 4.2. Short radials may offer similar results to long radials due to capacitive coupling with the ground.

Step 5: Understanding Tuned Radials

5.1. Elevated radials near the ends act as tuned counterpoises for improved performance. 5.2. Tuned radials work better when elevated but may be challenging for portable setups.

Step 6: Field Testing in Different Ground Conditions

6.1. Conduct tests in various ground conditions, such as poor soil or rocky areas. 6.2. Use common mode chokes to assess coaxial cable performance as a radial. 6.3. Measure SWR readings with different ground setups to determine the most effective solution.

Conclusion:

• Understanding the role of ground and counterpoise options is crucial for optimizing the performance of portable vertical antennas. Experiment with different materials and configurations to achieve the best SWR results based on your location and setup.

By following these steps, you can effectively choose and implement the right ground or counterpoise solution for your portable vertical antenna, ensuring efficient and reliable operation in various environments.