So, I'll start, with the statement that radials are a mystery to me. I have lots of question.
That said, I have dialed back from trying to completely understand, and just started experimenting.
I have a couple of efhw that require (In one case) or allow (in the other case) radials. I have experimented with different sizes or wire. In my rather limited set of use cases, I have not (with wsprs help) been able to detect a material difference. Since much of my operation is portable, I have settled on a fine gauge "silky" antenna wire, as it is easy to manage when I take the antenna up and down, and light to carry. For a permanent installation I might go with something a bit more robust, just for mechanical strength.
Interestingly, the one that optionally allows radials, shows a marked reduction in noise when I add the radials. I've posted elsewhere about that, and am told that should not happen. It is completely repeatable. Hence my fall back to experimentation.
I have a couple antennas I am building that require a "abc" length counterpoise. I'm going to tinker with it and see if I add more (for directionality) do they need to be the same length or can I reduce. Welcome thoughts.
I am very interested in your findings.
Jim
