The biggest factor (if you are running less than 100 watts) is the strength
of the wire. Whilst 26/28 gauge and other lightweight wires will radiate
properly at these levels, it's the tensile strength that is the main point.
I use 28 gauge teflon wire for portable operations but at my home station I
use 12 gauge. According to the NEC, wire antennas must be a minimum 12
gauge, so if you want to be perfectly legal run 12 gauge.
Gregg R. Lengling, W9DHI, Retired
K2/100 SN 3075
http://www.milwaukeehdtv.org
----- Original Message -----
From: "Vin Cortina" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: "Paul Kelly" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>; <Elecraft@mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Thursday, August 10, 2006 9:54 AM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Antenna wire gauge efficiency
Paul, I am certain you will get more responses, and since I do not have
the formulas in my head, I suggest you wait for the more knowledgeable
folks to weigh in. However, if you plan on going up into the hundreds of
watts, I would be thinking in the 14 gauge area. Personally, my antennas
are 12 gauge, but that was because ...
A) I used it as much for its added strength as for its electrical
characteristics ( I live in heavy woods)
B) It was the wire I had lots of on hand. (Application of the Cortina
Economic Applications of Existing Resources)
One more thing I might add is that in case you had not planned on doing
this, use a system of pulleys (I use marine pulleys) so that as the trees
(I assume you are erecting the antenna between trees) sway, the antennas
will give. If you need more info on this, contact me off list. I will be
happy to send you a graphic of how I do this.
Best of luck.
Vin Cortina KR2F
K1-4 s/n:1977
KX1 s/n:1476
----- Original Message -----
From: "Paul Kelly" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: <Elecraft@mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Thursday, August 10, 2006 10:25 AM
Subject: [Elecraft] Antenna wire gauge efficiency
Hello all. I know this is somewhat off topic, but there is a lot of
knowledge here, so I will ask. I am in the process of erecting two wire
antennas and wondered, for stealth reasons, how small I can go in wire
gauge for these antennas and still have an effeicient radiator. I know
in general bigger is better and copper glad is prefereable. I will be
running anywhere from QRP to 400 watts. It seems like I have seen tables
in the past that are good general reference guides for this question.
Any thoughts and yes my K2 is a great rig? Paul NN5G
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