On Thu,12/1/2016 11:04 AM, w5jmw@towerfarm.net wrote:
As long as we are on this subject.What abt wire diameter of the
radials.Is there a desired size.Does say #22 work as well as #12.
current tarvels on the outside.
In general, using wire larger than #18 is for mechanical strength rather
than resistance, and even conductors as small as the #24-26 used in CAT5
cable have been successfully used in large on-ground radial systems
where there are a large number of radials. If you're installing only a
few radials, I would consider #18 a minimum size if you plan to run high
power simply to avoid overheating the conductor near the feedpoint
(where current is usually a maximum).
I use #14 THHN (ordinary house wire) because I can easily buy 500 ft
spools at good prices from my local big box store. I would use #18 if I
could buy it as easily and cheaply. But there is considerable
convenience in being able to put 4 spools on a rod, and measure off 4
radials at a time. :)
73, Jim K9YC
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