[TowerTalk] XHHW wire

[john at kk9a.com]

Is the PVC insulation coming off?  I have never seen this occur, even  
in Aruba.  Typically just the nylon coating over the PVC that reduces  
friction and makes it more chemical resistant starts peeling off.  You  
can buy bare wire in any size, I use it for ground radials.  I believe  
that K9YC uses heavy AWG bare copper and pre-stretches it for antenna  
wire.

John KK9A


Steve Bookout nr4m.com wrote:

Very timely post!

For years, I've had a 4 element 80 delta loop array suspended from a
catenary stretched between two 190 foot towers.

I used THHN when I built it, but with time, the insulation is coming off
the wire.  I know that when I designed it, I had taken the velocity
factor into account WITH the PVC wire insulation.

Now, that I am losing my insulation, I have been looking for a better
alternative to the THHN wire.  Is this it?

Can anyone comment on the difference in the insulating material?   PVC
vs ???   And, maybe the difference in the dielectric constant f/u/w EZNEC?

This is my 'bread and butter' EU antenna.

Comments appreciated.

73 de Steve, NR4M