You really do not need stranded wire. Bare solid wire is typically used
for grounds. and while the standard of 120 radials spaced 3 degress is a
well known standard for ground systems, it is very rare in amateur
radio. Anything beyond 12 1/8 wavelength radials is a plus. I would
check an electrical wholesaler and price bare copper in bulk. Usually
#10 is used but I see no serious reason why #12 or even #14 would work
in this application. I prefer a buried ground (or at least on the
surface) over elevated for various reasons.
Having installed many MW systems, I can tell you the ideal is not always
achieved. At the end of the day, get as much wire in the ground wherever
it is possible.
On 6/5/12 9:01 AM, Dan Bookwalter wrote:
> I think I asked something similar last fall , but , circumstances changed
> and I couldn't do anything about it at the time...
>
> So , here I am again looking for a source of radial wire.... I was thinking
> of either going with K2AV's FCP or a radial field.... If i go with the
> radials I was thinking of using #14 stranded for about 15 radials that in
> theory would help absorb any lightning impulses (per W8JI website) , then I
> was going to use whatever wire I can find for the remaining 40 or 50 radials.
> My radial field can only cover from about SW thru North over to East.
>
>
> Is there a better source for wire than Lowes/Home Depot ? I will check with
> the local electrical distibutor , but , if I recall correctly they weren't
> much better.... Lowes currently has 500' of #14 THHN for $50 I would need
> about 3000 feet.
>
> Dan
> _______________________________________________
> UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK
>
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UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK
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