Pages 95 and 96 of the 1926 ARRL "Radio Amateur's Handbook" clearly define a counterpoise as a single wire in parallel with and below the antenna wire.
By 1952, the Handbook was defining a counterpoise (page 342) as "a number of wires supported from 6 to 10 feet above the surface of the ground."
73,
Maynard
W6PAP
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On 2/29/24 08:18, Ray W8LYJ via groups.io wrote:
?Did any of you read the material I posted about the definition of a counterpoise?
Both ARRL Handbook, Cebik, Laporte, and Rudy Severn make it clear a single wire is not a counterpoise. I will try to post later Laports diagram of what he considers a counterpoise.
Since the single wire is not a counterpoise then it¡¯s either the element of a dipole, and a dipole is not an endfed or it¡¯s a radial. If a radial it will contribute to the antenna system what a single radial will do.
Take a signal strength meter and antenna to a field away from the antenna. Measure signal strength with the wire disconnected and then connected, making sure there is not significant change in SWR.
Cebik in ¡°verticals without Voodoo part 1 says he would like to see the term counterpoise not be used.
The bottom line is if the antenna works for you and you are satisfied with it that¡¯s what is important. I know many have HOA antenna restrictions and the end fed is all that can be used. I think it¡¯s important its limits are understood.
ARRL has introduced a new antenna bill after a 6 year delay. Hopefully it will get passed and simple wire dipole or verticals will be allowed my HOAs.
I find it disappointing when antennas are discussed efficiency is not mentioned.
There was a time when QST had stricter requirements for antenna performance in antenna ads. Ads should list efficiency as well as pattern, gain etc.
Ray
W8LYJ
