First, I am a new extra and don't have a hundred years experience or knowledge. But I'm learning, which is fun.

My first HF antenna was a Hustler vertical, which did not perform very well for me. I tried adding radials which did not have any noticeable effect.

I want to move the vertical to our desert cabin in eastern San Diego County but I wonder about the viability of radials there.

Obviously the desert is quite dry (so is San Diego for that matter). I assume mineral ions in solution in the ground moisture support ground conductivity.

How dependent are radials on ground conductivity?  

If ground conductivity is important, is there a technique to measure it?

If ground conductivity is important, is there a way to improve it?

Your suggestions are appreciated. Thanks in advance

Bob
WD6S

Thanks you all for the suggestions- I will give them all a try until the problem disappears.

I am using a Heil headset.

And I did read the manual, though there are things I don't fully understand. That is why I asked you all for help.

Thanks again,
Bob

People keep reporting that I am clipping; one person said that it was a problem with the ALC setting. I reset the radio and still get the reports. I admit to being a new extra with a new radio, and need some ideas. I have tried to deduce the problem from the manual but so far have not solved the problem. I am using a wire dipole with an AT-7000 tuner.

Thanks in advance.

I use HRD with my IC-7000 and love it. I can't imagine any retail program would have more features or be easier to use.