Simple Ham Radio Antennas--Random Wire Antenna Lengths. Post #781.
Random Wire Antenna Lengths (http://www.udel.edu/~mm/ham/randomWire/). Accessed on 21 May 2016, 06:33 hrs, UTC. Author: The University of Delaware. Comment: A properly designed random wire antenna is a joy to use. It's portable, inexpensive, and easy to store. However, there are a few design parameters that you must follow if you want to use random wire antennas. This easily understood tutorial from The University of Delaware will give you the key design basics for this antenna. Among the topics discussed are: The antenna lengths to avoid and the importance of using a ground radial or "counterpoise" system. For best results, use at least a 1/4 wavelength antenna for each band you use. An antenna transmatch (i.e. "tuner") and a ground radial system will keep rfi out of your shack and improve the efficiency of the random wire. If you want multiband capability from 80 meters through 10 meters, consider using the original design from W3EDP. This