"Irv Finkleman" wrote in message
...
Is a copper to copper contact always necessary in
an antenna or does solder provide the necessary
continuity when joining wire?



Irv

I'd think you'd want a solid mechanical connection..
Even disregarding mechanical issues, a lightning
discharge would blow apart a soldered connection.
Have you considered using electricians' split bolt
type connectors to make the splices?

Pete

Thanks Pete -- I'm not really concerned about mechanical connection
as there will be no physical strain. Yes! I am definitely considering
'split bolt' (I call them wire nuts -- not sure where I got the
expression).

Uncle Peter wrote:

"Irv Finkleman" wrote in message
...
Is a copper to copper contact always necessary in
an antenna or does solder provide the necessary
continuity when joining wire?



Irv

I'd think you'd want a solid mechanical connection..
Even disregarding mechanical issues, a lightning
discharge would blow apart a soldered connection.
Have you considered using electricians' split bolt
type connectors to make the splices?

Pete

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Irv Finkleman,
Grampa/Ex-Navy/Old Fart/Ham Radio VE6BP
Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Irv Finkleman wrote in :

Thanks Pete -- I'm not really concerned about mechanical connection
as there will be no physical strain. Yes! I am definitely considering
'split bolt' (I call them wire nuts -- not sure where I got the
expression).

Here is a picture of what most of us understand to be wire nuts:
http://cableorganizer.com/wire-connectors/

Quite a different thing to split bolt line taps.
http://www.vk1od.net/post/post04.jpg shows a split bolt on the earth
electrode.

My comments about wire nuts were about wire nuts as most of us understand.

I would not use wire nuts for your earth system.

Split bolt connectors are fine for your purpose.

Owen

"Owen Duffy" wrote in message
...
Here is a picture of what most of us understand to be wire nuts:
http://cableorganizer.com/wire-connectors/

Quite a different thing to split bolt line taps.
http://www.vk1od.net/post/post04.jpg shows a split bolt on the earth
electrode.



Split bolt electrical connectors look like this Stateside:

http://ebusiness.ilsco.com/webapp/wc...1&categoryId=1

Used a lot for electrical connections to utility power transformers,
etc.

Pete

"Uncle Peter" wrote in
:


"Owen Duffy" wrote in message
...
Here is a picture of what most of us understand to be wire nuts:
http://cableorganizer.com/wire-connectors/

Quite a different thing to split bolt line taps.
http://www.vk1od.net/post/post04.jpg shows a split bolt on the earth
electrode.



Split bolt electrical connectors look like this Stateside:

http://ebusiness.ilsco.com/webapp/wc...goryDisplay?st
oreId=10001&langId=-1&catalogId=1&categoryId=1

Used a lot for electrical connections to utility power transformers,
etc.

Yes Pete, same as I showed, but better detail in your pic. Insulating
covers are also available which sort of hides the internals.

Owen

Owen Duffy wrote:


My comments about wire nuts were about wire nuts as most of us understand.

I would not use wire nuts for your earth system.

Split bolt connectors are fine for your purpose.

Owen

Thanks for the learnin' sir! Now I know, and I wouldn't
use wire nuts either! I'm even leery about them in my
house wiring! The split-bolt connector is what I had in
mind.

Thanks again

Irv VE6BP

--
--------------------------------------
Visit my HomePage at http://members.shaw.ca/finkirv/index.html
Visit my Baby Sofia website at http://members.shaw.ca/finkirv4/index.htm
Visit my OLDTIMERS website at http://members.shaw.ca/finkirv5/index.htm
--------------------
Irv Finkleman,
Grampa/Ex-Navy/Old Fart/Ham Radio VE6BP
Calgary, Alberta, Canada

On Mar 15, 11:22 pm, Irv Finkleman wrote:
Owen Duffy wrote:

My comments about wire nuts were about wire nuts as most of us understand.

I would not use wire nuts for your earth system.

Split bolt connectors are fine for your purpose.

Owen

Thanks for the learnin' sir! Now I know, and I wouldn't
use wire nuts either! I'm even leery about them in my
house wiring! The split-bolt connector is what I had in
mind.

Thanks again

Irv VE6BP

--
--------------------------------------
Visit my HomePage athttp://members.shaw.ca/finkirv/index.html
Visit my Baby Sofia website athttp://members.shaw.ca/finkirv4/index.htm
Visit my OLDTIMERS website athttp://members.shaw.ca/finkirv5/index.htm
--------------------
Irv Finkleman,
Grampa/Ex-Navy/Old Fart/Ham Radio VE6BP
Calgary, Alberta, Canada

16 guage and larger I tend to crimp, bolt, ect. smaller I solder.

Jimmie