Topband: Shunt fed tower - wire cage

[tony.kaz at verizon.net]

I have an 80' Rohn 45 tower that I shunt feed. At 85' there is a SteppIR
MonstIR. I set it on 7020 when I want to transit on 160M. The setting of the
antenna has a dramatic effect on 160M with SWR.

I have side mounted antennas at 45' and 50'.

The shunt feed is a set of three parallel #16 enameled wires 18" from the
tower face. The shunt runs from 6.5' above ground to 40'. I use a pair of
vacuum variable caps as a gamma match to tune the shunt. I also have a third
vacuum variable cap and a vacuum relay to switch from low and high 160M.

My question - any reason to use a larger gauge wire than #16 for the shunt
such as #14 or #12. Would it make a measurable difference?

Tnx for any feedback

N2TK, Tony