[Elecraft] RF on pipes

[Jim Dunstan]

Yes, as in coax for an example.  when transmitting eg via coaxial cable which is properly installed the rf currents flow on the inside surface and not on the outside surface.  I mention proper installation .. In which case steps are taken to keep the inside and outside surfaces separate (at rf).  In your example,  plain copper pipe wil have a total surface of the inside + outside.  If you solder on caps then you will have just the outside.

Jim
VE3CI

Sent from my iPod

On Jul 9, 2011, at 1:02 PM, "Clint" <clint.stark at sbcglobal.net> wrote:

> This is a bit OT but it does concern my K3. Hopefully this will not open too big of a can-o-worms.
> 
> As an experiment to try and achieve a very low impedance ground system, I am using 1 inch rigid copper tubing for my station and Vertical Antenna grounds and ½" copper refer tubing to tie together my ground rods and the mains ground. 
> 
> ANYWAY, I know that RF "travels" on the outside skin of a conductor. My question is: Does it also travel on the inside skin? In other words, would the impedance be the same on a round hollow tube as it would be if the tube was slit and laid out flat?
> 
> 
> 
> Thanks,
> 
> 
> 
> Clint KI6SSN
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