[BC] Franklin MW Antenna Ground Unneeded?

[Phil Alexander]

Neither can I find it at the moment. However, I know it is here
- somewhere - because I remember it, and I do recall being a bit 
skeptical on the basis of practicality. As has been mentioned, 
***any*** antenna mounted near ground will be affected by that
ground. Unless losses are minimized by approximating a perfect
ground those losses will cost power from the signal and
propagation will suffer.

I fail to see the validity of applying free-space concepts to an 
antenna that inherently cannot **be** in free space. I guess this
is one of the pitfalls of VHF becoming paramount in our thinking.
At VHF frequencies free-space, or quasi-free-space **is** a real
possibility. For MW, IT AIN'T (!) because the ground is there and
there is no avoiding it, however nice and neat that might make
thinking about theoretical propagation.  

In some ways this discussion reminds me of Ron Rackley's comments
about skirted antennas during the first AM Transmission Seminar
that we held several years ago in Orlando. Why are displacement
currents conveniently forgotten by some? 'Tis a puzzlement that
escapes me. That oversight is at the crux of the controversy about
the real, practical function of skirted radiators, as well. 

Phil Alexander, CSRE, AMD

-----Original Message-----
>From: Barry Mishkind <barrym at oldradio.com>
>
>There is also a paper from an Argentinian professor, if I am correct, where he concludes that the standard copper ground is not necessarily necessary.
>
>I've sent a copy of this to Phil ... but can't find it this minute.