[TowerTalk] guage of wire for 500 watt antenna?

[Jim Brown]

On 12/2/2017 2:00 PM, Gary Slagel via TowerTalk wrote:
> Any suggestions or input?

I agree that it's mostly mechanical for strength. The electrical 
limitation is I squared R, and current along an antenna is pretty well 
known. It's forced to near zero at the ends, and peaks at one or more 
points a quarter wave along the wire. A simple NEC model will show you 
values. The stripped down version that comes on the CD with the ARRL 
Handbook will do the job (and will teach you a lot).

Simply build the model -- a single wire of the length you plan to rig 
with a generator in the middle. In Options, set the generator to 500W, 
and calculate the current (or the pattern). Then look at currents along 
the wire (with the Currents button).

73, Jim K9YC