[R-390] Copper clad/copperweld ant. wire

[Transmaster]

I can tell you copperweld is great stuff.  The sold wire is a little
hard to work with but it pays off in a very durable antenna. Here in
Cheyenne, Wyoming we have consent wind.  It is common to have winds
blowing greater then 50 mph. As you can believe this it very hard on
any type of antenna.  There are hamradio operators here in town who
have had Copperweld antennas in the air for 30+ years with out any
problems.  I have just ordered the makings for a new dipole from The
Wireman and I specifed 19 strand insulated Copperweld.  I don't know
if you have priced pure copper wire lately but CopperWeld because of
it's steel interior is actually cheaper.  The Choice is a no brainer.

Go here for the spec's on the wire:
http://www.copperweldbimetallic.com/1024203.html

                           Ken de W7ITC

On 11/19/06, Dan Merz <mdmerz at verizon.net> wrote:
> Hi,  I'm homing in on using #18 copper clad steel wire for my new 390 wire
> antenna to achieve a long span with small sag low on the roof.  Does anyone
> know if the genuine "copperweld" wire is worth the extra cost,  seemingly
> about 4 times as much,   as some other 30% (conductivity?) copper-clad
> varieties available as antenna wire for less money.  The two sources I've
> identified are Wireman and Davis RF.  It seems that the proprietary
> copperweld has been around forever but cladding steel wire with copper
> should not be rocket science.  It would be nice to know if the cheaper stuff
> would hold up for a while though.  It may not take much of a coating to
> achieve 30% conductivity and I'm wondering whether anyone has had the
> cheaper stuff up for a while and knows whether it's worth putting up.  Our
> climate is very dry here in eastern WA so corrosion won't be rampant.   Dan.
>
>
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-- 
Kenneth A. Crips, W7ITC Home of the Chew Crew,  Red Headed
Irish Terrier House Ninjas, Beezie, Chic', and Cowboy
10th degree black belts in Mouch Fue, Bed Fue, and
Con Artist Fue.