Topband: couple of things

[Craig Clark]

If you are looking for "split nuts" to secure wire, they are also 
called Burndy Nuts by the trade.

Hard drawn copper has been used for years by utilities for electric 
transmission. Many hams prefer it for antenna wire too. Still a lot 
of it in use in rural areas. You can alloy Al as well as Cu to make a 
pretty strong product. The biggest problem with Al wire is that it 
deform under pressure and with time make a less than ideal 
connection. That's why there were problems with Al wiring in homes: 
the wire would deform, create a bad junction and then corrode with 
the potential of starting a fire.

One of the best wires to use for Beverages is US Military WD1 
telephone wire. You can get doughnuts, "Drag 8's" or spools from 
surplus outlets cheep.  It has a combination of steel and copper wire 
for strength and conductivity plus a heavy duty plastic coating.

Anyone know the op schedule for VQ9LA? I keep listening but haven't 
heard a peep.....yet. The UJ8 last night was Q4 here before he 
disappeared after Sunset. Topband is so much fun!

73, Craig Clark, K1QX

PLEASE NOTE NEW EMAIL ADDRESS
JCCLARK at WILDBLUE.NET

RADIOWARE AND RADIO BOOKSTORE
PO  BOX 209
RINDGE NH 03461
603 899 6957
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