Why the RF.Guru VertX Fan Vertical Radiates Smarter Not Just Bigger

Updated June 14, 2026 — revised technical wording for the new close-to-ground VertX 20–6 m design.

VertX: A Close-to-Ground Multiband Vertical for 20 Through 6 Meters

At RF.Guru, every design choice we make is grounded in solid electromagnetic principles — and our VertX multiband vertical is no exception. The new VertX is designed as a compact, close-to-ground, ground-radial vertical for the amateur bands from 20 through 6 meters: 20, 17, 15, 12, 10, and 6 m.

It may look like a classic fan vertical at first glance, but the important details are in the geometry: full-size band elements, controlled spacing, a practical feed arrangement, and a ground-radial system that forms an essential part of the antenna.

A Close-to-Ground Feedpoint with Ground Radials

The new VertX uses a feedpoint close to the radial plane. This keeps the antenna mechanically simple, electrically predictable, and easy to install in real-world gardens, field setups, and portable locations.

A vertical antenna does not operate in isolation. The radial field is part of the antenna system. It carries return current, shapes the local RF reference, and helps control ground loss. For that reason, the VertX is designed to work with ground radials laid directly on the soil, rather than relying on the mast, mounting hardware, or coax shield as an uncontrolled return path.

This approach helps provide:

• Stable feedpoint behavior across the supported bands
• Reduced unwanted common-mode current when installed with a proper radial field and feedline management
• Predictable tuning in typical ground-mounted installations
• Efficient low-angle radiation from a correctly installed quarter-wave vertical system

The 20M Inner Radiator: Full-Length Quarter-Wave

The main radiator of the VertX is a full-size quarter-wave vertical for 20 meters. It is not center-fed. It is a vertical radiator working against the ground-radial system.

In a quarter-wave vertical, current is normally highest near the feedpoint and tapers toward the top of the radiator. The goal is not to “eliminate” current near ground level — that would not describe how this type of antenna works. Instead, the goal is to provide a low-loss return system so the current that naturally flows in the radiator and radials contributes effectively to radiation rather than being wasted as ground loss.

This full-size 20 m element helps provide:

• No linear loading on the main 20 m radiator
• Good electrical efficiency for a compact ground-mounted vertical
• A stable mechanical and electrical reference for the shorter fan elements

The Fan Wires: Practical Multiband Geometry

The VertX uses separate fan elements for the higher bands: 17, 15, 12, 10, and 6 meters. These elements are arranged with controlled spacing so that each band can be tuned while keeping interaction between elements manageable.

In any fan vertical, the elements are coupled through the common feedpoint region and the shared radial return system. The geometry of the VertX is chosen to balance mechanical stability, repeatable tuning, and consistent multiband behavior.

The staggered wire layout helps:

• Maintain physical separation between band elements
• Reduce unnecessary element interaction during tuning
• Keep the antenna compact while covering 20–6 m
• Support repeatable installation with ground radials

Why the Radial System Matters

Radials are not decoration, and they are not simply “extra wire.” In a vertical antenna, the radial system has a direct influence on loss, feedpoint behavior, and installation repeatability.

With the VertX, the ground radials serve three practical purposes:

• They provide the intended return path for the vertical radiator current
• They reduce the chance that the coax shield becomes the accidental counterpoise
• They improve repeatability between installations by giving the antenna a defined RF reference

This is especially important on a multiband vertical. The antenna is not only one radiator; it is a system of multiple radiating elements, a shared feedpoint, a radial field, and a feedline that must be kept under control.

Designed for the Real World

The VertX is not just a bundle of wires attached to a mast. It is a carefully arranged multiband vertical system where the radiator lengths, element spacing, feedpoint layout, and radial system all work together.

In practical terms, that means:

• The 20 m radiator is full-size, not shortened by linear loading
• The higher-band elements are separate fan wires, tuned for their own bands
• The feedpoint is close to ground for a simple and repeatable ground-mounted installation
• The ground radials are part of the RF system, not just an accessory

The result is a compact, practical, multiband vertical for operators who want reliable coverage from 20 through 6 meters without traps, coils, or linear loading.

The RF.Guru Difference

While many multiband verticals depend on compromises hidden inside coils, traps, or shortened elements, the VertX follows a simpler principle: use efficient radiating elements, keep the RF return path under control, and make the antenna easy to install correctly.

Every centimeter of wire and every spacing choice has a purpose: to make the antenna tune predictably, radiate efficiently, and perform consistently in real-world installations.

And no, we do not use linear loading…

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