(28-07-2018, 08:18 AM)VK2CSW Wrote: A question then, the answer for which I should know but I don't.
My meagre experience with ground plane antennas makes me think that there is very little energy in the ground plane. This comes from experience with mobile installations and a few 11m marine installations I have worked on.
If this is the case, what is the risk if someone touches the ground plane (radials in this case)?
If the risk can be shown to be negligible then I would think that the "rule" wouldn't apply.
BTW I occasionally run into a former field officer who lives somewhere locally, I'll run it past him next time I see him at the shops.
Another source of the "not touchable" viewpoint. Ron Cook VK3AFW in his Article "Some thoughts on implementing a 15W EIRP limimit for 60m" in the latest AR Mag (very informative read) writes when discussing antennas: " Any antenna wire that is within reach is not compliant with the electromagnetic (EME) emissions ARPANZA standard.
Colin, I agree, there should be very little energy in the ground plane, if there is something is wrong. I think that "not touchable or reachable" means a radiating element not ground planes, radials or counter poises. It will be interesting to hear what your ex FO says.
We have a radiation safety officer at the RAAF Base. I will ask him his opinion.
I will put a plastic mesh barrier around the vertical just in case the meter reader has a mad urge to go and grab it when I am transmitting
Wayne VK4WDM