[TowerTalk] Ground Radials Insulated or Not

[ersmar at comcast.net]

Chuck:

     I'd go with the insulated wire for a few good reasons:
1.   It's cheaper as you said;
2.   It'll last longer due to the protection the insulation offers the metallic conductor;
3.   It's cheaper;
4.   I haven't read anything that proves definitively that bare wire in direct contact with earth is a better radial than an insulated wire.

     Besdies, the insulated stuff is cheaper.

73 de
Gene Smar  AD3F


-------------- Original message -------------- 

> I think the article by K3LC answers my question about the best number of radials 
> for the installation in my particular application. The nest question I have is 
> what benefit if any is there to using bare wire as opposed to insulated wire in 
> the radial system. 
> 
> When I go to the local houses to buy wire it is cheaper to buy 12 or 14 guage 
> spooled insulated wire rather then bare wire. When I look at ordering it online 
> buying locally is more attractive from a cost point since shipping has thus far 
> made online orders significantly more expensive then local purchases. 
> 
> Does direct earth contact buy anything as opposed to insulated radials with 
> respect to use as the rf ground? 
> 
> Chuck WD4HXG 
> 
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