----- Original Message -----
From: "Fritz Reuning K4OAQ" <k4oaq@chartertn.net>
To: <topband@contesting.com>
Sent: Friday, August 24, 2001 8:58 PM
Subject: Topband: Beverage construction questions
> I was planning on using 17 gauge aluminum electric fence wire, but I'm abt
> to decide that would be a mistake. I've got both a 1wl and 2wl beverage
in
> mind. Can I get away with using #16 or #18 insulated stranded copper
wire?
I use copperweld... it is cheap and you can solder to it... but fence wire
will work fine.
> I plan on using 10ft pieces of 5/8inch rebar as supports for a beverage
> (the rebar will be driven into the gnd 2ft). My question is what distance
> should the ant wire be from the piece of rebar. They make these nice
> plastic things for electric fence wire that would screw onto the rebar,
but
> the ant wire would be within 1 to 2 inches from the rebar. Is this too
> close? My other idea, that requires slightly more work, is to cut a 1 to
> 2ft piece of PVC pipe and clamp it to the top of the rebar and run the ant
> wire thru a slot in the pipe. So, what should the minimum distance be
> between rebar and ant?
I use 5/8 rebar eight feet long driven into the ground about 4 feet and slip
an eight foot piece of thick wall plastic pipe over it. I put a hole about a
half inch from the top of the plastic and saw a slot that I slip the wire
through. Results: supports wire but allows the wire to slip back and forth.
Has lasted Chicago winters fine. 73 John K9DX
|