After pondering tree geometry with the idea of putting up an inverted L for the coming fall/winter season, I decided to just make further use of what I already have – an 80m dipole & its feedline. The idea isn’t original – it came from my well-worn copy of ON4UN’s book on lowband DXing.

Below is a modification of a diagram in the book that more accurately reflects what I want to do.

My main concerns are avoiding ground loops and in utilizing the right relay that will provide minimal loss and maximum isolation for my 100-watt station. Ground loops and relays at RF are both gray areas for me so I plan on picking the brains of those more worthy in this area than I am…

I suppose the relay shown here would be referred to as a DP3T 3PDT (thanks Mike!).

I began the radial installation this weekend by mowing the grass short and using lawn staples (75 for $10 at Lowe’s) to hold down the wires. According to several sources, the wires should be invisible within a week or two. I’ll be able to use elevated radials along the fencelines of my yard.

Click for link to Lowe's

After several mowings of the yard, laying additional radials each time, I will have a radial system as good as it’s gonna get around here.

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