Hi gang, I'm going to install an indoor antenna to be fed by my K2, and I'm considering using this 30-gauge wire for it: http://tinyurl.com/yjjcen This wire would be great aesthetically, because it has white insulation to match my walls and ceiling. The main question is, Can I get away with running my K2 at 15 watts into such a miniscule gauge of wire? 30-gauge is awfully tiny. Should I limit my power to 5 watts at all times (which I would hate to have to do, since I've found that the extra 4.5 dB sometimes makes all the difference)? Or do I need a bit thicker wire, even if running only 5 watts? Each leg of this bent-to-fit antenna will be about a quarter wavelength on 80 meters, and I'll be using it on all bands with the KAT2 tuner.
Does anyone know where I can buy a slightly thicker gauge wire, such as 26-gauge, that has white or off-white insulation? One more question: I plan to run the wire along the line where the wall and ceiling meet. What inconspicuous means would you use to hold the wire in place? I'm thinking of white thumb tacks or clear push pins. I'm afraid that anything sticky, such as Scotch tape, will come unstuck, requiring me to borrow an extension ladder to re-stick it, as I have a "cathedral" ceiling, which is way up there. Thanks very much in advance for any advice. Most of the antenna will be up 27 or 28 feet, by virtue of being on the third floor, so I'm hopeful that it will work pretty well, at least in comparison with most indoor antennas. Thanks again, 73 & 72, Jeff WB5GWB Long Island, NY _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [email protected] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
