Thanks for the good information on steel elements for a 100MHz yagi. I
think I was concerned about something that didnt exist. I thought the fact
that the steel was magnetic might effect the elements. I'm comfortable
with using this steel wire now. I saw the straight lengths of wire at Home
Depot where they sell it for hanging Drop Ceilings. It may not be a rust
problem because of the coating on the wire But, the antennas will be in the
San Diego Calif. desert anyway, so rust isnt a big problem. Besides, these
are gifts so the new owners cal deal with the rust if they want clean *and*
cheap.

PS I'm building this (actually several) antenna for friends who live far
enough away from the city that their radio reception is poor. This
"building of antennas" is strictly fun and learning for me. There is no
chance of my buying any commercial antenna, even if it costs me more to
build one. I did build one with copper elements and it worked very well.

Jerry





"Dennis Kaylor" wrote in message
...
wouldnt it be cheaper and easier to just go to radio shack and by an FM
yagi
i believe they have a 5 or 7ele yagi for a cheap price

Jerry Martes wrote:
I plan to make a 6 element Yagi for FM reception at about 100 MHz. I
would like to use 1/8 diameter mild steel wire for the parasitic
elements. I have absolutely no experience with mild steel for antennas,
but thought it would be more bird tolerant than the copper wire model I
made.
I'd sure appreciate hearing from anyone who knows about mild steel for
"VHF" antennas.

Jerry