[TowerTalk] galvanized radial wires

[Paul Kelley N1BUG]

> Please post any answers you receive Noel.  I have thought about the same
> but in my case I have a 1,000 feet or so (free) of 1/4 galvanized cable
> - the stuff they use to guy telephone poles.

For buried radials I expect the soil type has much to do with how 
long galvanized wire lasts. I'm certain not all galvanized wire is 
created equal. I recently cleaned up an area where some stuff had 
been lying on the ground for years. There was some 3/8" galvanized 
guy wire (the stuff they use to guy telephone poles) that had been 
there approximately 30 years. It was still in fairly good condition 
with very little rust. Right next to it was some 14 gauge galvanized 
fence wire that was bought 20 years ago. It had probably been on the 
ground for ~15 years. It was very rusty and easily broke in several 
places as I tugged on it. Merely making an observation. Draw your 
own conclusions.

73,
Paul N1BUG