[Elecraft] Velocity factor

[Dauer, Edward]

I wonder if the difference in opinions has to do not with right or wrong as a matter of physics but rather with the customary use of terminology.  As I have understood it, the phrase “velocity factor” is ordinarily used in connection with transmission lines; AND it is the case that the velocity of a wave in any medium other than free space can differ – that is to say, it’s slower.  Whether the technical term “velocity factor” covers it all I can’t say.  Maybe in ordinary usage the generic term is “velocity of propagation” which in wires can vary from 0.7 to 0.99 C

Ted, KN1CBR    

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    Message: 12
    Date: Thu, 29 Dec 2016 18:44:57 -0500
    From: Don Wilhelm <donwilh at embarqmail.com>
    To: Walter Underwood <wunder at wunderwood.org>,	Elecraft Reflector
    	Reflector <elecraft at mailman.qth.net>
    Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Small QRP antenna
    Message-ID: <888b56e6-e2d3-5452-83aa-6bd9df16b658 at embarqmail.com>
    Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8; format=flowed
    
    Walt,
    
    I differ, antenna wires do have a velocity factor to consider.  I built 
    a 6 meter Moxon beam for my grandson out of insulated wire, and the 
    resonant frequency was considerably low.  Stripping the insulation from 
    the wire brought its resonance point up to what was expected.
    The only reason was because the velocity factor for the insulated wire 
    was less than that of non-insulated wire.
    
    73,
    Don W3FPR