Topband: Covered /bare antennn wire

[Bruce]

Hi Tom,

Thank you for the information, It sounds very convincing.

As you have said it is difficult to get a A-B test unless instant switching 
or direct observation is available.

I was hoping for a test something like, side by side identical wires, one 
insulated, and one un-insulated with voltage measuring devices at the ends.
Also separated enough not to get Beverage coupling, and using real stormy 
weather measuring.

Over the insulation breakdown voltage, one would expect them to be equal 
anyway.

73
Bruce-K1FZ



----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Tom W8JI" <w8ji at w8ji.com>
To: "Bruce" <k1fz at myfairpoint.net>; <topband at contesting.com>
Sent: Thursday, November 15, 2012 11:14 AM
Subject: Re: Topband: Covered /bare antennn wire


>> Out of curiosity, has anyone ever really done testing of voltage buildup 
>> on a insulated antenna wire, VS a non-insulated wire ?
>> Indoor antennas VS outdoor antennas of equal size?
>>
>
> I tested this extensively years ago, and there was no difference at all 
> except if the insulation was in an area of corona discharge.
>
> All of the noise appeared related to corona, which was a function of 
> exposed sharp points, and all of the charge for a floating wire was the 
> same insulated or not.
>
> I discussed this with KB8MU (just recently a SK) from NASA, because he 
> dealt with ion propulsion and electromagnetics, and what he found on 
> spacecraft and aircraft agreed with my earth-based experiments.
>
> I used an electrostatic paint gun with water, and a modified garden hose, 
> as the charged water source.
>
> I also noticed no difference on real antennas. My higher antennas with 
> sharp points get p-static, the low antennas or antennas with blunt ends do 
> not. Grounding and static drains make no difference except for the popping 
> when a dielectric charges and arcs.
>
> 73 Tom
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