Hi. I have spool of #12 industrial grade tin coated copper strand
wire that I had planned on building a 40 meter vertical loop with.
While scouring the web, I came across a white paper on wire, tubing
and RF compatibility, and it said that tin-coated copper was "somewhat
inferior", but silver coated or pure copper strand were fine for
antenna use. Contrary to this, I have read in this Newsgroup that tin
or silver coating is a must-have for good RF radiation.

Any views on tin coated copper strand?

Also, where do you all find Copperweld? It sounds ideal, but I
haven't been able to find it anywhere.

Thanks!

Denno wrote:
Hi. I have spool of #12 industrial grade tin coated copper strand
wire that I had planned on building a 40 meter vertical loop with.
While scouring the web, I came across a white paper on wire, tubing
and RF compatibility, and it said that tin-coated copper was "somewhat
inferior", but silver coated or pure copper strand were fine for
antenna use. Contrary to this, I have read in this Newsgroup that tin
or silver coating is a must-have for good RF radiation.

Any views on tin coated copper strand?

Also, where do you all find Copperweld? It sounds ideal, but I
haven't been able to find it anywhere.

Thanks!

Ohhh gawd, it that a "loaded" question?

I would use it, the lead/tin darkens (oxidizes) with age, so does copper
and most other metals, gold would be nice--too expensive, stainless
would be nice--but then the ohmic losses, use it! ...

End of story...

It won't be the last antenna you construct, build it and learn!

Warm regards,
JS

I agree with JS, just put it up and make contacts.
Best stuff around, of course not, but if you already have it the price is
right.

Have been told by I don't know how many people that twisted steel wire is no
good.
Our local phone co-op lays it out across the fields when the ground is
frozen, hence "field wire", until spring when they can trench the "good
stuff" in.
Come spring they roll it up, a mile at a time, and chuck it in the dump.
This stuff is plastic coated, does not break down in UV.
You can just about use it to pull a car out of the ditch it is so strong.
It is a real bugger to wrap or solder, needless to say.
If you put an antenna analyzer on it, get the length right it makes a dandy
antenna however.
Even the ice and snow of northeast Montana have not managed to bring them
down in over 8 years.
Coated all connections with Liquid Electricians Tape, they still look like
new.

Best antenna around, not a chance, BUT, I have yet to have to repair one I
have put up, that says a lot for this part of the country.

Sam - K7SAM

Topaz305RK wrote:

...
Best antenna around, not a chance, BUT, I have yet to have to repair one I
have put up, that says a lot for this part of the country.

Sam - K7SAM



Geesh, where'd you come from? Best example of the American "can do"
spirit I have seen--lately ...

Yes, that is why we came to the hobby, huh?

Warmest regards,
JS

On Dec 28, 7:58 pm, John Smith wrote:
Topaz305RK wrote:
...
Best antenna around, not a chance, BUT, I have yet to have to repair one I
have put up, that says a lot for this part of the country.

Sam - K7SAM

Geesh, where'd you come from? Best example of the American "can do"
spirit I have seen--lately ...

Yes, that is why we came to the hobby, huh?

Warmest regards,
JS

That's what I was hoping. Actually, I have a few other dipoles out
there with similar stuff and they've been fine. Some antennas are for
other folks so I want to be sure it doesn't turn into a disaster.

I know from experience that tin-coated copper strand is used in the
marine industry because the tin makes the copper much more corrosion
resistant.

As for Copperweld, anyone ever use it?

Not sure what you meant by "loaded question". :-) But I don't visit
the NG's very often.

Thanks,
Denno

Tin plated wire has higher resistivity than solid copper wire. However,
in nearly all common antenna applications, the loss of even tin plated
wire is insignificant. So it's just fine to use. Likewise, stranded vs.
solid wire. Any of the above are just fine.

As for Copperweld, I googled "copperweld" and immediately found that
Davis RF carries it. I'm sure that you'd find several other dealers if
you'll invest just a couple of minutes looking through search engine
results.

Roy Lewallen, W7EL

Denno wrote:
Hi. I have spool of #12 industrial grade tin coated copper strand
wire that I had planned on building a 40 meter vertical loop with.
While scouring the web, I came across a white paper on wire, tubing
and RF compatibility, and it said that tin-coated copper was "somewhat
inferior", but silver coated or pure copper strand were fine for
antenna use. Contrary to this, I have read in this Newsgroup that tin
or silver coating is a must-have for good RF radiation.

Any views on tin coated copper strand?

Also, where do you all find Copperweld? It sounds ideal, but I
haven't been able to find it anywhere.

Thanks!

Denno wrote:

...
That's what I was hoping. Actually, I have a few other dipoles out
there with similar stuff and they've been fine. Some antennas are for
other folks so I want to be sure it doesn't turn into a disaster.

I know from experience that tin-coated copper strand is used in the
marine industry because the tin makes the copper much more corrosion
resistant.

As for Copperweld, anyone ever use it?

Not sure what you meant by "loaded question". :-) But I don't visit
the NG's very often.

Thanks,
Denno

I am a "hobbyist", perhaps like yourself ...

Some might think the oxidization of the tin, copper, etc. may result in
increased losses (and yes, I have heard this argued--I can only guess)
--indeed, logic itself suggests this. I don't know. I have not even
attempted to measure it. And, I lack the ability to measure such and my
"experiments" take me another avenue ... from use of "oxidized
antennas", I don't think it amounts to a significant reduction in
"perceived and/or real performance."

Contacts are important ... I would doubt the antenna you propose would
be without them ...

Warm regards,
JS

Roy Lewallen wrote:

...
Also, where do you all find Copperweld? It sounds ideal, but I
haven't been able to find it anywhere.

Thanks!

Roys' knowledge it much better than my own, I would listen, if it were
me ... and, just sounds right ...

I thought "copperweld" was a heavy copper coating over iron/steel wire,
and, if that is what your refer to, it is excellent (like the stuff I
used decades ago), it was hard to "stretch!"

Regards,
JS

John Smith Oh wrote:
Roy Lewallen wrote:

...
Also, where do you all find Copperweld? It sounds ideal, but I
haven't been able to find it anywhere.

Thanks!

Roys' knowledge it much better than my own, I would listen, if it were
me ... and, just sounds right ...

I thought "copperweld" was a heavy copper coating over iron/steel wire,
and, if that is what your refer to, it is excellent (like the stuff I
used decades ago), it was hard to "stretch!"

Regards,
JS

"knowledge it" = "knowledge is"--but then, you knew that ... gawd, I
need to examine my text before posting it ... ;-)

Oh well ...

JS

Also, where do you all find Copperweld? It sounds ideal, but I
haven't been able to find it anywhere.

Thanks!


Copperweld, or "copper clad steel" antenna wire should not be hard to
find. http://www.radioworks.com carries some good coperweld. Belden
makes a #14 stranded (7) coppeweld antenna wire, available at
http://www.aesham.com , amongst other places.


Personally, I'd use the nice stuff you already have. Good luck.


Ed K7AAT