[TowerTalk] (80 Meter yagi question) Cu <=> Ag

[Gary Johnson]

Here’s a link to an old paper that was mentioned awhile back here on TowerTalk that answers the conductivity questions about plating. Long story short: Silver plating may not be as conductive as solid silver, and results are highly dependent upon the plating process.

 “Radio Frequency Performance of Electroplated Finishes” by A.M. Fowler, 1970.  
http://k6mhe.com/n7ws/Plating.pdf

-Gary NA6O


> From: Bob K6UJ <k6uj at pacbell.net>
> Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Fwd: (80 Meter yagi question) Cu <=> Ag
> 
> Since rf flows on the skin of the tube, I don't understand why silver plated copper 
> wouldn't be better than just copper.But what do I know, hihi
> BobK6UJ

>      From: Hans Hammarquist via TowerTalk <towertalk at contesting.com>
> To: towertalk at contesting.com 
> Sent: Thursday, October 12, 2017 1:26 PM
> Subject: [TowerTalk] Fwd: (80 Meter yagi question) Cu <=> Ag
> 
> 
> I saw somewhere that, unless you have solid, not electro-plated, silver you gain nothing plating silver on copper. Electroplated silver have lower conductivity than OFHC copper.
> 
> Looks like polished copper is the way to go. I like the durability of Al though. Is polished and varnished copper the best?
> 
> Go figure,
> 
> Hans - N2JFS
>