Yes, the higher; the better and fewer radials but the rule of thumb is 
always, the more radials, the better radiation pattern and signal 
reflectivity of the ground system of the antenna.  I had one multiple band 
vertical years ago at 55 feet.  I also ran a ground strap from the top of my 
tower, down the inside, and bolted the cable to the tower all the way to the 
bottom where I tied it into my multiple ground rod system at the tower base. 
I wanted to insure each section of the tower was electrically grounded 
together.  I ran multiple ground radials from 55 feet off the vertical.  It 
worked like a canon until we had the worst lightning storm I've ever been in 
throughout my 44 years of being a ham.  The vertical took a direct hit and 
it came down the coax into the shack.  Fortunately, the antenna was grounded 
to a coax switch with a grounding strap running back outside to a ground rod 
for my entire station.  Yes, I was at the desk when it flashed over.  No, I 
can't father children any more, haw.

Phil.
K0NX



----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Michael Ryan" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Monday, March 22, 2010 12:01 PM
Subject: tower mounted vertical VS ground mounting...


> Hi list:=20
>
> Just looking at some specs of a Zero Five 43F vertical.=20
> It says that it can be either ground mounted or on a tower.=20
> Can understand ground mounting because most verticals, to function =
> properly, require a ground radial system with a min of 16 radials cut =
> for the band you want to operate.=20
> So, why would you mount this kind of antenna on a roof or tower?=20
> If you add height, could you reduce the radial requirements?=20
>
> Oh, before I run:=20
> Still waiting on some digipan and window eyes 6 assistance and a =
> recommendation on a screen reader friendly CW decoder.=20
>
> 73:=20
> Mike=20