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Re: [CQ-Contest] Vertical Radial wire: Copper vs. Aluminum?

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Subject: Re: [CQ-Contest] Vertical Radial wire: Copper vs. Aluminum?
From: David Gilbert <xdavid@cis-broadband.com>
Date: Mon, 17 Jun 2013 12:05:24 -0700
List-post: <cq-contest@contesting.com">mailto:cq-contest@contesting.com>

As a generalization, I would expect that aluminum in alkaline soil is OK, while acidic soil probably eats it up fairly quickly. The southwest tends to be fairly dry and alkaline, while areas with more moisture and more organic debris in the soil tend to be more acidic. I can stick almost anything in the ground at my Arizona QTH and have it last for decades, while I certainly could not say the same where I grew up in Minnesota.

73,
Dave   AB7E




On 6/17/2013 7:57 AM, Joe wrote:
Either would work just fine electrically,,

BUT.........

There always is a but isn't there.......

Check your soil,,,, how do pop cans survive in your location.

I use that ALUM wire for all my in the air antennas. But I can not Bury it.

The soil here eats it up alive. A pop can even with it's paint on the outside and coating on the inside if buried here in like 6 months it's almost gone.

So that might be a problem.

I had some of that super heavy ALUM ground wire stuff. I mean like 1/4" thick stuff? In less than two or three years it was gone. I had it buried from an old TV antenna install.

Joe WB9SBD
Sig
The Original Rolling Ball Clock
Idle Tyme
Idle-Tyme.com
http://www.idle-tyme.com
On 6/16/2013 10:59 AM, Robert Shohet wrote:
Hi,

I noticed an ad in this weeks Tractor Supply co. flyer of 14 ga and 17 ga electric fence wire

1/2 mile 17 ga for $24.99
1/2 mile 14 ga for $49.99

1) Is there any advantage in the efficiency of radiation for a vertical between using
Copper vs. Aluminum wire?

2) Are there any mechanical or other advantages of using Copper vs. Aluminum?

3) Is 17 ga wire thick enough or should the 14 ga be used?

I am interested in the radials lasting – the difference in cost is immaterial to me.


Please advise.  Tnx & 73

Happy father’s Day!


Bob KQ2M

kq2m@kq2m.com

www.rlsfinancialgroup.com

www.kq2m.com
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