Carl, or anyone else who may know, can a Hybrid share the same ground with another Hybrid?  I am thinking of using two Hybrids with long wires running 90 degrees from each other from the same tripod (low to the ground) and use a coax switch  to switch between the two to see/hear two different propagations.  First can they share the same ground radials, and as important, can transmitting on one cause damage to the other "idle" Hybrid through interaction of having the same ground.  Which causes me to ask another question that is similiar, can two closely operated Hybrid's be harmed through induction of a closely aligned feedline or transmission line.  The feed lines would be closely parellel for distance of the coax to the switch and radio.  The transmission lines could be close for a ways as well - I am thinking using two inverted L setups (two Hybrids at the feed point) with the vertical portions perhaps on the same pole and the horzontal lines being 90 degrees apart.   Of course one be "off" while transmitting on the other and visa versa.

Thanks, 73 John

Hi Eth0,  Here are a couple of pictures.  Using the jaw mount you can do it a couple of ways.  I took the plastic washer off the 3/8 X 24 mount where the Hybrid connects.  Then on the other side of the jaw mount I took a bolt and butterfly nut and attached the counterpoise kit wires (or you can make your own) and spread them out.  Another way is to take the counter poise wires and attach them to the bottom of the Hybrid and then screw the Hybrid on - and I think that perhaps the fastest.  I have also, althought I don't do it anymore as I found it not needed ran a jumper from the jaw mount to the JacKite pole ground mount and it is driven into the ground a couple of feet.  I don't ground my radio.  Other then what is provided my coax to other antenna mounts on the truck.  Last picture shows my radio in a Tac Comm carrier. Good luck, the Hybrid makes experimenting lots of fun as it has a lot of utility for various antenna apps.  73, John

Not a stupid question at all.  I've seen the terms used interchangeably and at this point don't know the difference as I've seen it explained different ways.  So I don't have an answer for you.  I can just tell you what I do and that is using the "counterpoise" kit provide by Carl with one of these sets I bought and they attach very easily on the jaw mount, either with a bolt or under the Hybrid. That is when I go to the field.   At home I used an 8' ground rod attached to the pipe that the Hybrid is mounted (and grounded to) with no counterpoise/radial and seems to work well.  The ground is attached to the bottom of the mast in this picture:

The random wire is grounded by an 8' rod as well as a "counterpoise/radial" two wire cord that is 66' on one side and 33' on the other.   You can see the copper ground wire and counterpoise attachment to the jaw mount in this picture:

I think of the vertical/random wire in the field or at home, as transmission line that needs to have something to "push against" in the form of a ground/radial or both.  And in the end and in any case, if you are going to be using the antenna for a variety of bands a good tuner is essential - at least in my experience.  If your tuner won't find a match then the transmission line length needs to be changed or the radial length needs adjustment. 

Anyway, your mileage may very and I've put enough heresay in this note, some other folks will hopefully offer you some additional advice - HI.

Now the problem I have is that I've field both my Hybrids here at home and have to do other options in the field until I have enough nickles to get a CAUM.

Take care, have fun, 73, John