Jim Brown wrote:
> On Fri, 28 Dec 2007 16:07:02 -0500, Martin Ewing AA6E wrote:
>
>
>> The problem is that the copper is
>> weathered pretty well by now, and it can't be soldered as it is.
>>
>
> Flexweave has more serious problems than solderability after aging.
> It doesn't age well at all -- that corrosion you've experienced also
> weakens the copper, and eventually it will wear and break, and your
> antenna will fall. I first used FlexWeave about four years ago. The
> first antenna lasted under a year. Every antenna I built with it has
> broken. Each time, I've had to put major effort (and in two cases,
> major dollars) into replacing them.
>
> Flexweave is a DISASTER READY TO HAPPEN for any antenna with
> signficant mechanical stress. It SEEMS like a good idea, but it
> isn't. Stick to POC (plain ordinary copper) from your local hardware
> store. THHN makes great antenna wire.
>
> 73,
>
> Jim Brown K9YC
>
Jim -
I would tend to agree with you now, but my antennas are already up, and
have been for about 3 years now. I only had one failure - that was due
to abrasion against a tree branch. Kinks (they do occur!) and abrasion
are death to flexweave.
73 Martin AA6E
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