[CQ-Contest] Vertical Radial wire: Copper vs. Aluminum?

[David Gilbert]

As a generalization, I would expect that aluminum in alkaline soil is 
OK, while acidic soil probably eats it up fairly quickly.  The southwest 
tends to be fairly dry and alkaline, while areas with more moisture and 
more organic debris in the soil tend to be more acidic.  I can stick 
almost anything in the ground at my Arizona QTH and have it last for 
decades, while I certainly could not say the same where I grew up in 
Minnesota.

73,
Dave   AB7E




On 6/17/2013 7:57 AM, Joe wrote:
> Either would work just fine electrically,,
>
> BUT.........
>
> There always is a but isn't there.......
>
> Check your soil,,,, how do pop cans survive in your location.
>
> I use that ALUM wire for all my in the air antennas. But I can not 
> Bury it.
>
> The soil here eats it up alive.  A pop can even with it's paint on the 
> outside and coating on the inside if buried here in like 6 months it's 
> almost gone.
>
> So that might be a problem.
>
> I had some of that super heavy ALUM ground wire stuff. I mean like 
> 1/4" thick stuff? In less than two or three years it was gone. I had 
> it buried from an old TV antenna install.
>
> Joe WB9SBD
> Sig
> The Original Rolling Ball Clock
> Idle Tyme
> Idle-Tyme.com
> http://www.idle-tyme.com
> On 6/16/2013 10:59 AM, Robert Shohet wrote:
>> Hi,
>>
>> I noticed an ad in this weeks Tractor Supply co. flyer of 14 ga and 
>> 17 ga electric fence wire
>>
>> 1/2 mile 17 ga for $24.99
>> 1/2 mile 14 ga for $49.99
>>
>> 1) Is there any advantage in the efficiency of radiation for a 
>> vertical between using
>> Copper vs. Aluminum wire?
>>
>> 2) Are there any mechanical or other advantages of using Copper vs. 
>> Aluminum?
>>
>> 3) Is 17 ga wire thick enough or should the 14 ga be used?
>>
>> I am interested in the radials lasting – the difference in cost is 
>> immaterial to me.
>>
>>
>> Please advise.  Tnx & 73
>>
>> Happy father’s Day!
>>
>>
>> Bob KQ2M
>>
>> kq2m at kq2m.com
>>
>> www.rlsfinancialgroup.com
>>
>> www.kq2m.com
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