[Elecraft] wire for random wire antenna using kx3

[Charlie T]

Yes, but speaker wire is only good for audio up to about 25 kHz.  It has a
frequency limiting component in the wire alloy that must be removed in order
to use this type wire at RF.

This removal procedure is fairly easy to accomplish.  First, soak the wire
in a bucket of laundry detergent and water over night, then remove the wire
and rinse it thoroughly.
After assuring the wire is dry, place in an oven set to about 150 degrees
for about 3 - 4 hours.
In lieu of the oven, you can also place the wire in an afternoon of summer
sun.
After that, place the wire on the ground and hold a 2 meter hand-held over
the wire, approximately a foot away and key up the radio for 20 seconds at a
couple watts output.
If you see no reaction, sparking, especially tingling in your ears,  or
physical movement of the wire, it is now safe to use as an antenna.

Note this advice is given freely and may be disseminated with no intended
royalty charges or copyright infringements.

73, Charlie k3ICH



-----Original Message-----
From: elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net <elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net> On
Behalf Of Don Wilhelm
Sent: Monday, December 17, 2018 9:46 AM
To: Richard watson <richard.watson15425 at gmail.com>; elecraft
<elecraft at mailman.qth.net>
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] wire for random wire antenna using kx3

Rick,

Certainly it will work, and makes for a quick temporary antenna,
particularly indoors.
However, if you are using the speaker wire as a transmission line, it has
relatively high loss characteristics, and I would recommend that you think
about replacing the transmission line part with real parallel transmission
line for a more permanent installation.

For the radiator section, the speaker wire can remain.

73,
Don W3FPR