Topband: radial wire source

[W2XJ]

You really do not need stranded wire. Bare solid wire is typically used
for grounds. and while the standard of 120 radials spaced 3 degress is a
well known standard for ground systems, it is very rare in amateur
radio. Anything beyond 12 1/8 wavelength radials is a plus. I would
check an electrical wholesaler and price bare copper in bulk. Usually
#10 is used but I see no serious reason why   #12 or even #14 would work
in this application. I prefer a buried ground (or at least on the
surface) over elevated for various reasons.

Having installed many MW systems, I can tell you the ideal is not always
achieved. At the end of the day, get as much wire in the ground wherever
it is possible.

On 6/5/12 9:01 AM, Dan Bookwalter wrote:
>  I think I asked something similar last fall , but , circumstances changed and I couldn't do anything about it at the time...
>
>  So , here I am again looking for a source of radial wire.... I was thinking of either going with K2AV's FCP or a radial field.... If i go with the radials I was thinking of using #14 stranded for about 15 radials that in theory would help absorb any lightning impulses (per W8JI website) , then I was going to use whatever wire I can find for the remaining 40 or 50 radials. My radial field can only cover from about SW thru North over to East.
>
>
>  Is there a better source for wire than Lowes/Home Depot ? I will check with the local electrical distibutor , but , if I recall correctly they weren't much better.... Lowes currently has 500' of #14 THHN for $50 I would need about 3000 feet.
>
>  Dan
>  _______________________________________________
>  UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK
>