[CQ-Contest] Antenna Wire Source

[Robert Shohet]

Hi Tom,

I have used all types of wire in all different sizes.  #12 is best but #14 works well too.  I prefer stranded but have no 
problem with solid.  I use coated wire only as it prolongs life (less rust) and is quieter than bare wire.  #16 is too 
thin for surviving ice and wind.

In 2008, before becoming seriously ill,  I planned to build an 80 meter 4-square and use 120 radials.  That meant that
I had to find a LOT of wire that would not rust away in the wet and acidic New England soil.

Typical ham radio sources of wire were cost-prohibitive, even for 5000’ and up of wire.  So I decided to look at
non-typical sources and I discovered that you can negotiate prices with Lowe’s on some items (unlike with Home Depot). 

Even with copper selling at over $4 a pound at that time, I negotiated buying 6,000’ of their coated #14 solid
for less than 3c per foot, on 12  500’ spools.  Contrast that with the #13 poly of Wireman than I paid 13c/foot back in 2005.  
No comparison!

73 and GL!
Bob KQ2M

kq2m at kq2m.com 

www.rlsfinancialgroup.com