[Rover] RE: WA5VJB Cheap Yagis ? ? ?

[Phil Lefever]

At 12:13 PM 9/5/02, you wrote:
>  have "free" access to 304L SS (filler rod) long as I don't get "greedy".
>I have used some 3/16 th's a couple of times for making some brackets and
>you need to put a "little heat" on it just to get it to bend exactly where
>you want it to.  You may wish to ask them (welding supply) about what
>different materials they may have available and weight the advantages of
>using SS or other hardened fillers verse's other more common filler
>materials.

I'd recommend against using Stainless Steel for antenna elements! The
RF resistance is too high and it will cause a measurable loss of antenna
gain. It is also difficult to solder to it. I would also recommend against
using steel for the same reason but since standard steel welding rod is
copper plated (for corrosion resistance) it works great. RF skin effect
making our life easier ;)

Of course for anywhere where the parts doesn't have to carry RF I'd use
the Stainless material. It is sure nice to not have the stuff rust badly!

73

Phil



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Phil Lefever - KB=D8NES			Twin Cities Repeater Club
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