Topband: Deployable radials for 80/160M

[Jon Zaimes AA1K]

The wire size is not critical. In laying down four x 120 radials (each 
about 130 ft long) for a new BS/EF array here three years ago, I used 
whatever I could scrounge from local salvage yards, flea markets, yard 
sales, Habitat for Humanity Re-Stores and other thrift stores.

Old telephone cable that was laid straight (not twisted like Cat 5) was 
the easiest to separate. I'd start stripping the wires out at one end, 
then tie it on to something solid and continue pulling the wires back 
through the insulation. I'd end up with two or four separate wires, 
typically no. 22, 24 or 26.

Twisted cables took more work to separate, or I'd just use the whole 
cable as one radial, splicing the conductors together at the vertical end.

In other systems I've used old RG6 pulled from the dumpster at a cable 
company. They often have to replace a lot after storms.

I never buy new wire for radials. Scrounged cost typically works out to 
a couple of cents a foot or less.

For rolling up your radials, try an old garden hose reel with wheels. 
The hand crank makes the winding real easy.

73/Jon AA1K
Felton, Delaware
www.aa1k.us

On 6/23/2014 12:23 PM, rich kennedy via Topband wrote:
> Hello, I'm now able to use a couple acre parcel for a new 80/160M shorty vertical (80'); however, I can use this land only between Nov and May.
>
> For radials I'm intending on using a #22 stranded hookup wire, 300v and wondering if this particular wire would be suitable for spooling out the ~90 foot radials then respooling them up several months later.  Expected power = 1KW; Number of radial ~ 40.  Any hints appreciated.
>
>
> 73, Rich, K3VAT
> _________________
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