Home |
Search |
Today's Posts |
|
#1
![]() |
|||
|
|||
![]()
The last time I installed a wire antenna for 80 meters was in the mid 70s.
At that time the wire of choice was #14 (or perhaps #12) solid enameled copperweld (now called copper clad) wire. Yes, the wire was kinky, fussy to install, but it had high mechanical strength, excellent electrical properties, and it lasted for many years. I have moved to eastern Tennessee, and because of circumstances, I want to revert back to a wire antenna, at least for the time being. Much to my surprise I can not seem to locate a source of solid enameled copper clad wire. Is there any reason why this wire is no longer available? I will be suspending the wire between the chimney and the trunk of a tall tree and plan to put a galvanized screen-door spring in series with the support at one end. The span will be about 120 feet. The WireMan offers several types of wire, such as "Fabricated 14 AWG solid copper clad steel (30%). The best choice for long-lived, high performance antennas in any environment. Breaking strength 550 lbs.", but this wire is not enameled. (13ó/ft) Another choice from the WireMan is "'Silky' 12 AWG, 19 strand, tinned, 40% copper-clad steel. Smooth as silk, tight lay, engineered antenna wire as close to solid performance as possible, but flexible and easy to use. Our heaviest - overkill for most work. Break strength 474 lbs." This wire is stranded and tinned. (22ó/ft) Finally, the WireMan offers "Toughcoat 'Silky' 13 AWG, 19 strand 40% copper-clad steel (OD 0.0795") with tough, high density, low-gloss polyethylene (Nominal OD, 0.120" including 0.020" jacket. Designed for through-the-trees, sea coast, acid rain or other inclement atmospheric conditions. Our most rugged, longest-lived, stranded antenna wire for any purpose. Jacket has minimal effect on performance - less than that of a year's accumulation of oxidation product on bare wire, with less noise." (21ó/ft) Any advice, recommendations, or links to wire sources will be greatly appreciated. John, N9JG |
Thread Tools | Search this Thread |
Display Modes | |
|
|