[TowerTalk] Re: Remove enamel from CU wire

Tom Martin tmartin@chartermi.net
Tue, 09 Oct 2001 10:31:16 -0500


I agree, Dick.  Why would you want to remove the enamel in hundreds of feet of
wire?  Too much work and expense with no benefit.

73,  Tom W8JWN

Martha & Dick Wilder wrote:

> Hi Sylvan,
>
> I believe that you should leave the enamel on the wire except for
> the end(s) where you need to make an electrical connection to your
> system.  Here is MY OPINION of why:
>
> 1.  The only reason bare wire is specified for AM BC stations is that it
> is cheaper than enamel wire.
> 2.  The reason to bury of a radial system is so that you can mow the
> law to keep the XYL happy.  An ideal system would be on short posts
> insulated from the earth.  (Ground rods at the tower take care of
> lightning ground.)
> 3.  The enamel will not harm the effectiveness of a properly installed
> system.  If you have acid soil, then enamel will lengthen the life of the
> radial system.   In acid soil, any buried electrical connections
> should be protected by some sort of coating.
> 4.  As an aside, if one uses enamel wire for an antenna, the enamel
> should be remain (except at connections) to protect against acid
> rain.  The RF radiation doesn't "see" the enamel.
>
> 73, Dick Wilder, K3DI, Arnold, MD
>        ----------------------------------------
>        Dick's lifetime address is k3di@arrl.net
>        ----------------------------------------
>
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List Sponsored by AN Wireless:  AN Wireless handles Rohn tower systems,
Trylon Titan towers, coax, hardline and more. Also check out our self
supporting towers up to 100 feet for under $1500!!  http://www.anwireless.com

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