Bill
Arcing is probably not an issue at least for the 1st couple of years. I
guess at some point 10 years down the road and your bargain wire is
likely not UV resistant rated (?) Over time it will weather and crack .,
running 1.5KW on FT8 you run the risk of setting the grass or leaf
litter
I just realized that my Beverage wire below was severely stretched. Twice!
That may have shortened its life, and may be the reason why it's so rusty
in many places. (I can't say by how much.)
73, Mike
www.w0btu.com
On Thu, Sep 6, 2018, 12:47 PM Mike Waters wrote:
> ... I have a Beverage made fr
>Rob, Not barbed wire, but electric fence wire. This wire stays good for
>decades. Look at the horse and cattle farms around you. It has the same
>conductivity as your galvanized steel tower. Nor does anyone consider
>making a tower out of copper or copper clad steel.☺ A radial system of 60
>1/4
Date: Wed, 5 Sep 2018 15:27:35 -0500
From: Rob Atkinson
To: topband@contesting.com
Subject: Re: Topband: Radial wire
http://www.contesting.com/_topband
Roger posted.":but I would emphasize that WD1A is horrible for
bi-directional Beverages as the loss is excessive in the transmission line
mode." Roger that is clearly the case as I have found here the hard way.
I now use the WD1A for single wire Beverage antennas due to its low cost
and streng
Joel W5ZN wrote:
... low cost radial wire options got me thinking about WD1A. Anyone have any
experience with it as radial wire?? There are two wires that should pull apart
easily ...
I use WD1A wire mostly for (single direction) Beverages, but also as radials at
the ends of those antennas. In
I have maybe 45 radials, some of them
WD-1A. I bought over a mile of CAT cable
and used it for antennas and radials,
silver-soldering the wires together &
attaching them to the plate or coax with
ring terminals. They worked fine for
radials, show no wear after around 8
years.
I used WD-1A
Rob, Not barbed wire, but electric fence wire. This wire stays good for
decades. Look at the horse and cattle farms around you. It has the same
conductivity as your galvanized steel tower. Nor does anyone consider
making a tower out of copper or copper clad steel.☺ A radial system of 60
1/4 wave
Well, electric fence wire comes in various levels of galvanizing. The
cheap stuff such as RedBrand is class 1 and is galvanized to 0.28 oz of
zinc per square foot. Bekaert Wire 17ga which is 0.80 oz per sq. ft. and
is also available from Tractor Supply. I've never seen any electric fence
wire th
I don't know which brand is best, but I think the thickness of the
galvanizing varies. (W8JI said that most "galvanized" steel electric fence
wire is actually cadmium plated, and not zinc).
I have a Beverage made from 17 gauge plated steel electric fence wire
that's been up roughly 8 years. The pl
t: Re: Topband: Radial wire
If you have a Tractor Supply store near you, the price for 1/4 mile of 17
ga. galvanized electric fence wire is $14.99. You can get 1/2 mile roll
for $29.99. Just how long it will last will vary depending on your soil.
However, at that price it is worth a try.
73,
Ken -
I like to buy copper wire when I find a good deal surplus or otherwise
and horde it up whenever I need it.
In following this thread and seeing some folks seeking low cost radial
wire options got me thinking about WD1A. Anyone have any experience with
it as radial wire?? There are two wires tha
I just use 2-conductor military field phone wire with the 2 insulated
wires in parallel. There is so little current in each radial (I have
137 radials 100 ft long) that the small partly-steel wire works fine.
The rugged poly insulation should protect the wire forever and makes
zero difference
Oh man, any time this topic comes up anywhere the guys come out with
all kinds of suggestions for wire that won't last like galvanized
steel and electric fence wire. Nix nix nix...if you want a permanent
ground system go with copper, insulated or not. Stranded doesn't lie
down as well; you want s
If you have a Tractor Supply store near you, the price for 1/4 mile of 17
ga. galvanized electric fence wire is $14.99. You can get 1/2 mile roll
for $29.99. Just how long it will last will vary depending on your soil.
However, at that price it is worth a try.
73,
Ken - K4XL
On Wed, Sep 5, 2018
1/4 mile for $30 is reasonable and would work well for radials.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Acorn-International-EFW1714-1-4-Mile-17-Gauge-Galvanized-Fence-Wire/152465194663?epid=4017419194&hash=item237fa23ea7:g:xOMAAOSw4A5YwFca
Herb, KV4FZ
On Wed, Sep 5, 2018 at 2:00 PM Herbert Schoenbohm <
herbert.
For a cheap solution for radials is to use buried galvanized barbed wire.
It is available for pennies a foot. A preferred way of putting it in is to
use a is a Ditch Witch with a vibrating plow attachment that allows the
wire to buried with limited handling. Depending on the soil consistency it
Hi Guys
Stay away from aluminum, the aluminum oxide dielectric is a terrible
complication around 2 MHz, it become a capacitor and a diode and will generate
a lot of noise in presence RF currents.
There is no way to avoid the diodes at the connection with different materials,
like at the ground
Interesting source. The 5356 alloy would be the best choice for radial
wires since the 5xxx series are of a corrosion resistant aluminum
alloy. 5052 is the usual alloy for boat hulls in salt water.
OTOH, it seems the cost of 14ga THHN, the fact that it will last
forever, and that it is widel
Speaking of radial wire - I have recently found a source of it that is very
inexpensive. It might not be the best for laying flat - but I have been
able to find thousands of feet for like $15. Sorry - this is probably only
a USA thing however.
Look for your nearest Habitat for Humanity ReStore.
Jeff, I also use THHN 14Awg stranded wire laying flat on the ground. I
use brown insulation to match the desert floor, and one or two lawn
staples per radial (each is 120 ft long). I'm not certain, but I think
I bought it in 5000 ft spools.
73,
Jim w8zr
Sent from my iPhone
> On Sep 4, 2018, at 5:
On 9/4/2018 8:53 PM, K9FD wrote:
Beware .. in some soils the aluminum wire disappears in a short time,
In ILL had aluminum wire down and it just corroded away and left nothing
Agreed, but if your soil permits, it works. YMMV.
I did try to obtain insulated aluminum wire but could
not obtain i
Beware .. in some soils the aluminum wire disappears in a short time,
In ILL had aluminum wire down and it just corroded away and left nothing
but lot of noise as the "joints" went bad.
Merv K9FD
On 9/4/2018 4:36 PM, Jeff Draughn wrote:
I’m looking for suggestions for radial wire that will lay
On 9/4/2018 4:36 PM, Jeff Draughn wrote:
I’m looking for suggestions for radial wire that will lay as flat as
possible. I realize that’s probably what everyone is looking for, however
See: http://www.alcotec.com/us/en/products/tie-wire.cfm
Rick N6RK
_
Topband Reflector Archi
On 9/4/2018 4:36 PM, Jeff Draughn wrote:
I’m looking for suggestions for radial wire that will lay as flat as
possible. I realize that’s probably what everyone is looking for, however
I once ordered some dead soft pure aluminum wire
and it was as soft as "butter" :-) Even softer
than solder.
I used 6300' of radial wire from DX Engineering.
The great thing about it is that it lays flat on top of the ground without
snarling upno need to stretch it...just roll it out.
Don’t take it sideways off the reel...unroll the reel.
I scalped the grass around the vertical and then used lawn sta
On Tue, 4 Sep 2018 18:36:54 -0500
Jeff Draughn wrote:
> I’m looking for suggestions for radial wire that will lay as flat as
> possible. I realize that’s probably what everyone is looking for,
> however I have used the wire from the big box stores THHN etc. and it
> always has that permanent cur
Hi Jeff,
I use 14 AWG THHN stranded wire for temporary radials laying
on the ground. Its lays flat.
www.wireandcableyourway.com/14-awg-thhn-stranded-building-wire-500ft-or-2500ft-spool.html
73
Frank
W3LPL
- Original Message -
From: "Jeff Draughn"
To: topband@contesting.com
Paul,
I got a good deal on stranded teflon wire. It cost me $0. I lay it on the
ground. The only issue I have with it is that the wire is stranded and it wicks
in moisture. Teflon is easily nicked and the moisture finds it's way in.
You mentioned your wire is solid so you should not have that p
A while back, I specifically asked K3LC whether there was a significant
difference electrically between tying radials to a buss in a 4 square or just
letting them overlap. To my surprise, Al said that the modeled antenna gain of
the overlapping radial system was slightly greater than that of the
>"The reason is that the standard DA ground system as far as I know, has
always involved strapping radials to a copper strap running along the line
of radial intersection, clipping off the radial wire that runs past the
strap."
Unless there's modeled or measured data, that's the "conventional wisd
Sent: Wednesday, April 15, 2015 2:27 PM
To: 'Herbert Schoenbohm'; topband@contesting.com
Subject: Re: Topband: radial wire size
Really? They are selling that? I can find tons of this, let me know if
someone interested hi hi hi
-Mensaje original-
De: Topband [mailto:to
aje original-
> De: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] En nombre de Herbert
> Schoenbohm
> Enviado el: miércoles, 15 de abril de 2015 03:07 p.m.
> Para: topband@contesting.com
> Asunto: Re: Topband: radial wire size
>
> I just saw on eBay a 3' piece of barbe
Asunto: Re: Topband: radial wire size
I just saw on eBay a 3' piece of barbed wire dated 1878 for sale for
$9.78 which comes up to $3.26 per foot! I guess this stuff gets more valuable
with age like some good Uruguayan wine.?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Antique-3-foot-piece-of-Barbed
On Wed,4/15/2015 8:43 AM, donov...@starpower.net wrote:
Corrosive soils may damage a buried radial system.
I agree that mechanical durability and environmental factors are the
limit on the size and type wire for both radials and antennas.
In my limited experience, the use of insulated wire s
e radials "disappear" because of the corrosion
73,
Jorge
-Mensaje original-
De: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] En nombre de Herbert
Schoenbohm
Enviado el: miércoles, 15 de abril de 2015 01:06 p.m.
Para: topband@contesting.com
Asunto: Re: Topband: radial wire size
pband-boun...@contesting.com] En nombre de Herbert
Schoenbohm
Enviado el: miércoles, 15 de abril de 2015 01:06 p.m.
Para: topband@contesting.com
Asunto: Re: Topband: radial wire size
From Home Depot
$64.98 / roll
FARMGARD 1320 ft. 12-1/2 Gauge 2-Point Class I Barbed Wire
<http://www.homedepot.com/p/
To: "Jorge Diez - CX6VM" , "topband"
Sent: Wednesday, April 15, 2015 2:27:01 PM
Subject: Re: Topband: radial wire size
The only real difference when using reasonable-gauge sizes is in
physical durability. Electrically it makes little difference since
you effectively have a la
"
To: "Jorge Diez - CX6VM" , "topband"
Sent: Wednesday, April 15, 2015 2:27:01 PM
Subject: Re: Topband: radial wire size
The only real difference when using reasonable-gauge sizes is in physical
durability. Electrically it makes little difference since you effectively h
blocks.
73
Frank
W3LPL
- Original Message -
From: "Bill Wichers"
To: "Jorge Diez - CX6VM" , "topband"
Sent: Wednesday, April 15, 2015 2:27:01 PM
Subject: Re: Topband: radial wire size
The only real difference when using reasonable-gauge si
The only real difference when using reasonable-gauge sizes is in physical
durability. Electrically it makes little difference since you effectively have
a large number of radials in parallel so each one carries only a relatively
small percentage of the overall current in the system.
I use 18 ga
Jorge, It is a mechanical issue only, dependent on wire type. I used PVC coated
copper and even thinner than #17. My 130 radials have been in situ for about 15
years.
73 Clive GM3POI
-Original Message-
From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Jorge Diez -
CX6VM
Where to buy KappTecZ in USA?>>
This link:
http://www.kappalloy.com/products-solder.php
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
: Topband: Radial Wire
> On your mention of Silver solder, do you mean typical circuit board
> silver solder or the "real" silver solder, such as used on copper
> tubing in high pressure refrigeration systems?
> I used the "real" silver solder to solder 3/8"
On your mention of Silver solder, do you mean typical circuit board silver
solder or the "real" silver solder, such as used on copper tubing in high
pressure refrigeration systems?
I used the "real" silver solder to solder 3/8" copper tubing to Stainless
Steel Ground rods below ground level.
I u
Thanks for all the great information. I appreciate your experience.
My current installation is in the woods, not in a clear field. I,
unfortunately, won't have the luxury of burying the wire. I'll have to
lay it on the surface with staples holding it down.
Not much foot traffic to contend
Tom,
On your mention of Silver solder, do you mean typical circuit board silver
solder or the "real" silver solder, such as used on copper tubing in high
pressure refrigeration systems?
I used the "real" silver solder to solder 3/8" copper tubing to Stainless
Steel Ground rods below ground level.
Thank you very much for this source. I was just looking this week for
wire prices. I want to buy quite a lot for next summer's antenna project.
The nice thing is he's close enough I'll probably pick it up and save
shipping.
BTW...any thoughts on solid vs stranded? I do like to use insulate
com] On Behalf Of
donov...@starpower.net
Sent: Wednesday, October 22, 2014 10:05 PM
To: topband@contesting.com
Cc: garyk...@wi.rr.com
Subject: Re: Topband: Radial Wire
Hi Gary,
I've used bare 14 AWG solid bare copper wire with good success in shallow
buried radial systems. It would be a poor ch
with heavy foot traffic by herds of white tail
deer.
73
Frank
W3LPL
- Original Message -
From: "Gary K9GS"
To: topband@contesting.com
Sent: Thursday, October 23, 2014 1:24:20 AM
Subject: Re: Topband: Radial Wire
Frank,
Thank you very much for this source. I was ju
ng.com] On Behalf Of
donov...@starpower.net
Sent: Wednesday, October 22, 2014 2:17 PM
To: topband@contesting.com
Subject: Re: Topband: Radial Wire
iwc2carl on ebay is my favorite supplier of bulk wire. He's very reliable,
consistently less expensive (including shipping) than the retail stores
Solid will generally hold up better regarding corrosion, but stranded holds up
better if subjected to mechanical stress. Solid is also easier to solder
properly, imho. Pick the type best suited to the area your radial field is in.
If your radial field gets walked on frequently then stranded is p
Frank,
Thank you very much for this source. I was just looking this week for
wire prices. I want to buy quite a lot for next summer's antenna project.
The nice thing is he's close enough I'll probably pick it up and save
shipping.
BTW...any thoughts on solid vs stranded? I do like to use
I'd use their dog wire because it has PE insulation.
Mike N2MS
- Original Message -
From: donov...@starpower.net
To: topband@contesting.com
Sent: Wed, 22 Oct 2014 18:17:06 - (UTC)
Subject: Re: Topband: Radial Wire
iwc2carl on ebay is my favorite supplier of bulk wire. He&#
You bet it is! Those prices are the best I've seen in some time.
73, Mike
www.w0btu.com
On Wed, Oct 22, 2014 at 2:55 PM, Carl wrote:
> Good link Frank, thanks.
>
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
22, 2014 2:17 PM
Subject: Re: Topband: Radial Wire
iwc2carl on ebay is my favorite supplier of bulk wire. He's very reliable,
consistently less expensive (including shipping) than the retail stores
and
electrical wholesalers, ships in a few days and you can't beat the
convenience of de
iwc2carl on ebay is my favorite supplier of bulk wire. He's very reliable,
consistently less expensive (including shipping) than the retail stores and
electrical wholesalers, ships in a few days and you can't beat the
convenience of delivery direct to your door. He almost always accepts
an offe
You could use the 18 gauge insulated stranded CCS (Copper Clad Steel) wire that
Davis RF and The Wireman sell. The PE jacket is a matte black color and not
very visible from any distance away. It's pretty strong too, and not very
expensive. I use it a lot for wire antennas.
I'm amazed your 22 g
On 2/25/2014 9:45 AM, Jim F. wrote:
Would going to 16 ga. increase the radiated antenna
current X times ?
Not enough to matter, but it certainly would not hurt. For next year,
though, I would try to use more radials. Having them elevated is good,
and elevating them even more is better.
73,
Check at the metal recyclers; Teflon insulated wire brings little money as
scrap and is rather common where there is high tech and military
contractors. Regular tinned copper and stranded PVC insulated is also common
and around here magnet wire as used in motor shops is hard to find in any
quan
> You really do not need stranded wire. Bare solid wire is typically used
> for grounds.
Solid wire lasts longer, and is easier to connect to later because it is
easier to remove all corrosion without chemical cleaning or strand-by-strand
cleaning.
Also beware of gutting old wires, because some
On 6/5/2012 2:08 PM, Lloyd Berg N9LB wrote in part:
> I like the direct copper to soil DC contact rather than laying insulated wire
> on/in the ground. Also the solid bare copper wire won't leach away into the
> soil for 40-50 years.
>
> Never bury bare stranded wire because it disintegrates way
I buy 5,000 foot reels (which is the minimum order from my supplier) of
18 awg solid copper wire from a local wholesale wire supply house. You
should be able to get most electrical supply houses to order that for
you. My local shop I've worked with for years, they specialize in
communications and s
-- EnCase Certified Examiner ---
-Original Message-
From: topband-boun...@contesting.com [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com]
On Behalf Of Jim Brown
Sent: Tuesday, June 05, 2012 11:18 AM
To: topband@contesting.com
Subject: Re: Topband: radial wire source
On 6/5/2012 9:08 AM
Hi Dan!
I use #12 solid solid copper THHN "house wire" - around here Menards has
the best price, HD has gotten very expensive in the last year.
I strip the insulation off with a little jig I made utilizing an
imbedded utility knife blade. I like the direct copper to soil DC
contact rather tha
I used to buy huge spools of #16 tinned copper "bus wire" from
Interstate Wire and Cable in Dallas, TX. The price was fairly
good compared to building wire from the home store. I built
a grid with 3x3 foot spacing, so insulated wire was out, and
tinning was a real plus for soldering the crossover
and then there's the 6000 ft spool of insulated, tinned #16 that I found
at the Dayton flea market for $20. It'll probably outlast me.
73, Pete N4ZR
The World Contest Station Database, updated daily at www.conteststations.com
The Reverse Beacon Network at http://reversebeacon.net, blog at
rever
On 6/5/2012 9:57 AM, jcjacob...@q.com wrote:
> Another source, again if you watch for sales, is 14-2 awg w/ground NM Romex
> type cable.
Yes. I just did that with a 25 ft piece of #10-2 Romex to build some
loading coils. The big box store didn't have any #10 solid.
73, Jim K9YC
___
Dan is looking for radial wire.
I've been lucky to find spools on sale at the local Big Box stores. Another
source, again if you watch for sales, is 14-2 awg w/ground NM Romex type cable.
Run an inexpensive Romex splitter over it and you have 750 feet of radials from
a 250 foot
Also check what might be available from the Wireman. I picked up
a 5000 ft spool of twin-lead (#18?) from them a couple years ago
for $100. It was a bit of a job splitting it, mainly from the
tendency to twist when pulling the insulation apart in the
middle. However, cutting to the desired r
On 6/5/2012 9:08 AM, DAVID CUTHBERT wrote:
> I use #14 stranded THHN wire from Home Despot because it's easy work work
> with.
I've used a lot of #14 THHN solid because it's cheaper than stranded,
and find it no more difficult to work with than stranded wire. I would
love to use #18, but have
I use #14 stranded THHN wire from Home Despot because it's easy work work
with.
Dave WX7G
On Jun 5, 2012 9:23 AM, "W2XJ" wrote:
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> You really do not need stranded wire. Bare solid wire is typically used
> for grounds. and while the standard of 120 radials spaced 3 degres
You really do not need stranded wire. Bare solid wire is typically used
for grounds. and while the standard of 120 radials spaced 3 degress is a
well known standard for ground systems, it is very rare in amateur
radio. Anything beyond 12 1/8 wave
Going with #14 would be fine for the first 4-8 if you are keeping a running
log of measurements; otherwise its overkill.
As far as pricing the local surplus dealer has any gauge at $3 a pound and
Ive seen it cheaper at scrap metal dealers.
My old systems used #18, on the ground and later elevate
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