>From a performance point of view, I suspect it doesn't make
any difference at all whether the wires are insulated or not.
One consideration that I haven't heard discussed with regard
to radials, however, is lightning protection. Wouldn't it be better
from a lightning perspective to have at least some of the radials
in the system uninsulated? Perhaps a few heavy radials (6 to 8)
made from #4 bare copper interspersed with the balance of the
radial system made from whatever is cheapest. Just a thought.
Mike, W4EF......................................
> As far as insulated or not.. My gut feel is that it probably doesn't make
a
> huge difference. You're conducting RF, so DC contact isn't important,
> there's a huge area that's buried. The copper will corrode a bit and
> probably forms an insulator anyway The field gets there through the open
air
> in the first place, etc. On the other hand, I have absolutely no
> theoretical or experimental basis for making the statement. NEC4 does
model
> insulated wires in the earth, and I've been meaning to run some
comparisons,
> but haven't got around to it.
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Chuck" <wcmoore@verizon.net>
> To: "Towertalk" <towertalk@contesting.com>
> Sent: Monday, December 06, 2004 4:31 AM
> Subject: [TowerTalk] Ground Radials Insulated or Not
>
>
> > I think the article by K3LC answers my question about the best number of
> radials for the installation in my particular application. The nest
question
> I have is what benefit if any is there to using bare wire as opposed to
> insulated wire in the radial system.
> >
> > When I go to the local houses to buy wire it is cheaper to buy 12 or 14
> guage spooled insulated wire rather then bare wire. When I look at
ordering
> it online buying locally is more attractive from a cost point since
shipping
> has thus far made online orders significantly more expensive then local
> purchases.
> >
> > Does direct earth contact buy anything as opposed to insulated radials
> with respect to use as the rf ground?
> >
> > Chuck WD4HXG
>
>
> _______________________________________________
>
> See: http://www.mscomputer.com for "Self Supporting Towers", "Wireless
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questions and ask for Sherman, W2FLA.
>
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_______________________________________________
See: http://www.mscomputer.com for "Self Supporting Towers", "Wireless Weather
Stations", and lot's more. Call Toll Free, 1-800-333-9041 with any questions
and ask for Sherman, W2FLA.
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