[Elecraft] Antenna Wire Question - Permanent install...

[Ron D'Eau Claire]

It sounds a bit like "copperweld" wire. That, too, is copper-clad steel.

Since the RF currents are traveling only in the outer skin, copper clad =
is
as good as solid copper from the standpoint of efficiency.=20

You mention weight. That should not be an issue unless you mast strength =
is
marginal.=20

The big issue with copperweld was keeping it from kinking. It's strong =
until
the first time a kink is allowed to pull tight. You can straighten a =
kink,
but it'll be very weak and prone to fatiguing in the wind and breaking =
soon.


But, as long as you install it carefully without allowing it to 'kink',
copperweld wire will probably outlast the supports, and perhaps the
operator!

I use stranded hard-drawn copper because it's what the local "emporium"
carries. It, too, is a bit prone to kinking but it's a LOT easier to =
handle
than copperweld. It's not as strong though and I'd recommend the steel =
wire
if you get a lot of whipping around.=20

Some ops claim the stranded is slightly more efficient based on its =
larger
effective "surface area" for a given size. That may be, but I suspect =
the
difference is slight. =20

Ron AC7AC

-----Original Message-----
Hey Gang,

Well, walked outside today and found half of the antenna on the ground.
...I'd like to use some of the wireman #501 #18 solid copper clad steel
(30%). Does anyone have any experience with this wire for permanent use? =
I
was a little concerned about the weight. Thanks

73's Trev - K6ESE
http://www.qsl.net/k6ese