Topband: aluminium welding wire

[George (K8GG) & Marijke Guerin]

Noel, VE2RYY wrote:

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "VE2RYY" <ve2ryy at globetrotter.net>
To: <topband at contesting.com>
Sent: Thursday, April 05, 2007 10:12 AM
Subject: Topband: aluminium welding wire


>I  have the opportunity of getting three spools of .035" al. welding wire.
> each spool is about 20 lbs.
> I wonder how many feet we get from one spool.
> Anybody using this kind  of wire for radials on 160.meters.
> I wonder how long the radials will last on the ground?????
> Copper is so expensive these days....
> I would appreciate input on this ..
> Thanks
> NOEL

IMHO, aluminum wire will corrode quickly in soil, and usually sets up wet 
cell batteries where ever it comes in contact with a stone.  Aluminum is 
quite active, maybe 4 on the ph scale where 7 is neutral and most limestone, 
concrete, etc., is about 9.  That is why galvanized fence wire lasts a long 
time in most soils.

GL        George    K8GG