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Old August 8th 06, 11:40 PM posted to rec.radio.amateur.antenna
TF3KX TF3KX is offline
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First recorded activity by RadioBanter: Aug 2006
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Default Aluminum welding wire (AlMg3) for radials on galvanized metal roof?

I am about to mount a vertical on a galvanized sheet metal roof. There
are indications that this roof, while farily new and in good shape, may
not be a sufficiently good enough ground plane by itself. So, I will
additionally lay radial wires on the roof. For this I select aluminum,
as I expect (a) low corrosion when touching the zinc-galvanized iron,
and (b) good conductivity of the aluminum.

Readily available aluminum wire would be the kind used for welding,
sold as AlMg3 (aluminum with 3% manganese). Does anyone have
expericence or comments on using this type of wire? Such as:

- The expected RF conductivity? (brief research indicates not much
less than pure Al)
- Corrosion resistance of this material (by itself)?
- Corrosion resistance in contact with galvanized iron?

Other comments?

73 - Kristinn, TF3KX