[Elecraft] WTB: KBPF3 Gen Cov Module

[Don Wilhelm]

David,

Actually, aluminum will hold up OK in many soil conditions - although in 
highly acid soils, it will become rather brittle.
Squirrels and other rodents chewing on the aluminum wire is more of a 
problem.
So my conclusion is that if you want in-ground radials that will last 
for about 3 years, you can save over the cost of copper by using 
aluminum - make your long term choices depending on your ham budget.
If you are using elevated radials, aluminum is great - but put them high 
enough so that humans, deer and other animals can pass under them 
without harm to the radials or the beast.  If you are in an area where 
riders on horseback could pass, use plentiful warning signs.  My 
criteria is 10 feet above ground, but yours may vary.  I have lots of 
trees (we live in a forested area) , so buried radials are not practical 
due to tree roots, so I use electric fence insulators attached to the 
trees to support elevated radials.

For a good source of aluminum wire, look to suppliers of electric fence 
wire.  I use the 17 AWG size for my radials.

73,
Don W3FPR
On 6/29/2014 5:13 PM, David Christ wrote:
> I have been told that aluminum does not last very long in contact with the ground.  You might wish to verify whether burying aluminum is a good idea.
>
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