Alan

If the ground is inherently moist, then I would go along with that.
However, if it is dry and less conducting, then a radial system is
important.
It is well known that verticals perform better when there is a light
covering of snow on the ground than not.  This assumes, of course, that they
are mounted at ground level.

It is also significant to note the number of DX-peditions to islands in
recent times who have used vertical antennas in, or very close to, the sea.

73

David W Wood 

-----Original Message-----
From: For blind ham radio operators [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
On Behalf Of Jim Gammon
Sent: Monday, May 19, 2014 7:59 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Grounding of SteppIr verticals

Ok thanks Alan, sounds like it doesn't require much if any radial 
system, I mean 10 square feet of screen isn't much.  Of course, 
it depends on the soil characteristics of the antenna location, 
but that's interesting news.  Thanks and 73, Jim WA6EKS
 ----- Original Message -----
From: "Alan R.  Downing" <[log in to unmask]
To: [log in to unmask]
Date sent: Sun, 18 May 2014 23:36:26 -0700
Subject: Grounding of SteppIr verticals

I contacted a friend who has a SteppIr vertical, and asked about 
what
grounding he used on his installation.  Here is what he had to 
say:



My StepIR Vertical is a 6 thru 40M version with about 10 square 
feet of
brass screen under same.  I added about 30 square feet of Chicken 
wire in
2012 when the lawn was refurbished.  This additional wire did not 
seem to
have any noticeable effect or measurable performance differences.  
The wire
mesh is under the surface about 2 inches.



He told me that his vertical performs very well.



HTH



Alan/KD7GC