Topband: Capacity Hat Wire Size

[GEORGE WALLNER]

Bruce,

I often use an 18 m Spiderpole with two loading wires, 
sloping out from the tip at about 60 degrees. I use 18 
gauge insulated wires and run 1500 W. I have not seen any 
signs of overheating. Current is less through the top part 
of the antenna so wire diameter is less critical (but the 
voltages can be very high at the wire ends!). I would, 
however, use thicker wire on the vertical part of the 
antenna (AWG 12 or larger). Alternatively, use three or 
four parallel wires on the vertical section (tied together 
both at the bottom and top). Space them out around the 
pole.

You can see a 43 foot version (being tested for the 
upcoming KH1 expedition) at C6AGU, on QRZ.com. I have ran 
1000 W on that antenna without issues.

73,

George

On Tue, 2 Jan 2018 09:31:48 -0600
  Bruce Osterberg <n9bx73 at gmail.com> wrote:
> Good Morning:\
> 
> To improve my 160 vertical ... 26 Gage 
>wire for the capacity Hat.  
> 
> Bruce N9BX 73
> 
> _________________
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