[Boatanchors] (Solder Kester 88) now copperweld

[Rob Atkinson]

I think it depends on a few things.  I'd go with copperweld for a long
unsupported span like a dipole on 160 m.  Most hams nowadays probably
can't put such an antenna up.  Also, is today's copperweld like dad's
copperweld, i.e. is the copper on it thick?

It used to be you could get stranded hard drawn copper wire and that
would not stretch.  Around 10 years ago I got 1000 feet of it from
cablexperts but I have used and given away all of it and I don't know
if it is still available or not.  If the HRO wire stretches it sounds
to me like it is just stranded house wire without the insulation on
it.  I use that kind of wire with the insulation, it is just the no.
12 THHN house wire in 500 foot spools from the big box store, but I am
in town where I want insulation for safety reasons and my longest
unsupported span is only 45 feet or so.  Also, I use OWL and a
matchbox so it if does stretch, I don't notice it.

So, it depends on a few things.

73

Rob
K5UJ