33 Ft. 40m Vertical

[K0OD]

K9UIQ: 

This is my first hand experience. I have a 40mtr dipole at 50 ft and a 40 mtr 1/4 wave monoband vertical ground mounted and 60 radials. After 3 years of this arrangement I can truthfully say that the vertical is by far the better antenna for DX and most of the time it is better for Domestic.

I ran long term comparisons between a dipole (broadside) at 45' and a 40 meter vertical with an excellent radial system. DX was generally a toss-up; stateside, the dipole was better. Pretty much what others have suggested.

I tend to use verticals just because my dipoles--while they can work very well if up >50'-- keep falling down.

[W3HKK]

Ive used assorted qtr wave 40m verticals for years...in a variety of  less than ideal locations  and with  0-16  qtr wave radials.  they all worked pretty good.  So dont sweat what you cant control

I would use  c. 33 ft radials ( adjusted if  plastic jacketed)  and bend the excess to conform to your property line.
Put the vertical wire as far as you can from trees/structures.  If you cant, then go with it.

Radials on the ground give a higher swr.  Sloping radials give  close to 1:1 swrs.   

[KD0TRG]

Great topic.

[W3HKK]

A vertical next to the house is the worst possible location.  Putting it as far from your house and the neighbors houses as possible will be a major boost in signals.  For 40m at least 33 ft away from buildings helps the pattern be more normal.

[KQ6Q]

The vertical is close to the house because the Hexbeam is up in the air closer to the fence....Up in the air! The high current portion of the vertical is radiating right into the house.... how well would the hexbeam work if it were located down next to the house?
As has been stated, a vertical needs to me in the clear to radiate effectively. If he could raise the vertical so the feedpoint is level with the eaves of the house, and run some resonant counterpoise wires level with the eaves, it might work a lot better!