On 1/17/22 at 10:52 AM, [email protected] (Ted Edwards W3TB) wrote: > Good methods for getting the wire down. > Separate Question: What about using an insulated wire that way?
K9YC recommends <http://k9yc.com/160MPacificon.pdf>: Guidelines for All Radials • Insulated wire holds up longer • #18 minimum size for durability –Large spools hard to buy • #14 THHN (house wire) works well –Mass market items often less expensive and easy to find –Discount for 6 or more spools at big box stores (Home Depot, Lowe’s) He says about ground screens: Ground Screens Can Work • Some AM broadcasters use a heavy copper mesh, typically 40 ft square surrounding the tower, with radials connected at perimeter of the mesh • Provides very effective shielding between antenna and earth where current density and magnetic fields are strongest Some Ground Screen Solutions • Use strips of 3-ft or 5-ft wide galvanized hardware cloth –~ $350 for 600 sq ft, 19-gauge • Or strips of galvanized welded wire fencing 2” x 2” or 2” x 4” grid –~ $ 150 for 600 sq ft, 14 gauge • Or strips of galvanized wire mesh, 1” x 1” squares Some Ground Screen Solutions • If possible, lay strips out radially in four directions • Use alternative layouts when it’s the best you can do –A single strip, centered below the antenna if possible, or even two running parallel to each other –More is better For more details and references see the website. 73 Bill AE6JV ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Bill Frantz | Concurrency is hard. 12 | Periwinkle (408)348-7900 | out 10 programmers get it | 150 Rivermead Rd #235 www.pwpconsult.com | wrong. - Jeff Frantz | Peterborough, NH 03458 ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:[email protected] This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to [email protected]
