I agree with Jim. I've never soldered radials, too much trouble. I constructed
an aluminum frame (a square) that I drilled and tapped for #10 hardware. I
crimp a lug on the radial wire(s) and attach them to the frame with a #10
stainless screw. I use a bit of antioxidant under the lug.
73, Stew K3ND
________________________________
From: Jim Lux <jimlux@earthlink.net>
To: towertalk@contesting.com
Sent: Tuesday, August 16, 2011 8:31 AM
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] soldering radials
On 8/16/11 3:28 AM, Mark Robinson wrote:
> DXE supply a ring lug. You can crimp and solder the radial wire to the ring
> lug and then you can bolt the ring lug to the plate using the stainless
> steel nuts and bolts supplied with the plate. I would also apply Penetrox to
> the ring lug and bolt threads before you bolt it up.
>
>
> Mark N1UK
>
>
>
> If yes, how can I solder them? Also if I use a DXE plate to atacch the
> radials, I need to solder the wire to terminals, so what type of solder may
> I use?
>
>
I wouldn't bother with all that soldering and crimping.
Get 3 or 4 of the ground/neutral bus things at the hardware store for $5
each. They're aluminum with holes and screws to clamp down on the wire.
There's nothing special about arranging the wires in a circular
pattern other than appearance.
The ground lug things are a LOT faster.. strip wire, shove into hole,
crank down on screw. When you're done, a drop of loctite on each screw
to hold them from backing out. If you're worried about corrosion, cover
the whole thing in paint or noalox.
here's a picture of one in copper
http://www.ecodirect.com/Ilsco-CAN-300-CAN-Ground-Neutral-Bus-24-Taps-p/ilsco-can-300.htm
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