I've a question for the group. When I'm drawing out my lengths of wire when
making a quad, what is an accurate way of measuring it? I'm using 1.6 mil
aluminum tig wire and, although the stuff usually lays pretty flat coming
off the reel I want to be certain my lengths are correct. Laying a tape down
next to the wire seems like it couldn't be real accurate. Any suggestions
would be appreciated. Tnx, and 73.



---
Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.
Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
Version: 6.0.648 / Virus Database: 415 - Release Date: 3/31/04

"Paul" wrote in message
...
I've a question for the group. When I'm drawing out my lengths of wire
when
making a quad, what is an accurate way of measuring it? I'm using 1.6 mil
aluminum tig wire and, although the stuff usually lays pretty flat coming
off the reel I want to be certain my lengths are correct. Laying a tape
down
next to the wire seems like it couldn't be real accurate. Any suggestions
would be appreciated. Tnx, and 73.

Hi Paul,
The first step is to straighten the wire. Depending on diameter, you may be
able to anchor one end to a fixed object (pipe, fence post etc) and tie a
rod to the other end and stretch it. For bigger copper I have tied it to the
bumper hitch and moved the car forward slightly. The end result is a
perfectly straight length of wire. Now, it can be laid flat and parallel
againsta a tape. Mark off the overall length and the corners w/ a magic
marker.

Dale W4OP

Paul,
Accuracy is 'relative'. For HF, 'close' is 'good enough'
when
measuring the length of your antenna elements, since any formula
derived length is only a 'ball park' figure to start with. For
VHF/UHF element lengths that 'ball park' figure has to be
measured
more carefully, but it's still just a 'ball park' length. To
fine
tune an antenna's length requires 'checking'n'chopping' till you
get it exactly where you want it. Horse shoes and handgrenades
ain't the only things where 'close' counts...
'Doc

"Dale Parfitt" wrote in message ...
"Paul" wrote in message
...
I've a question for the group. When I'm drawing out my lengths of wire
when
making a quad, what is an accurate way of measuring it? I'm using 1.6 mil
aluminum tig wire and, although the stuff usually lays pretty flat coming
off the reel I want to be certain my lengths are correct. Laying a tape
down
next to the wire seems like it couldn't be real accurate. Any suggestions
would be appreciated. Tnx, and 73.

Hi Paul,
The first step is to straighten the wire. Depending on diameter, you may be
able to anchor one end to a fixed object (pipe, fence post etc) and tie a
rod to the other end and stretch it. For bigger copper I have tied it to the
bumper hitch and moved the car forward slightly. The end result is a
perfectly straight length of wire. Now, it can be laid flat and parallel
againsta a tape. Mark off the overall length and the corners w/ a magic
marker.

Depending on how hard you "bump" it you'll also strain harden the wire
to some extent which improves it's strength and reduces it's tendency
to stretch in service. Particularly if it's all-copper wire.

Dale W4OP

Brian w3rv

Tnx for all the responses. As I mentioned, the wire I'm using is 1.6 mill.
diameter aluminum mig wire. This is a 2 element, 10 meter antenna. This
afternoon I tied one end to a tree right next to the end of a 50' tape and
ran out the both of them to the desired length and snipped the wire. I
repeated this for the other and commenced to tying this rascal up.

Isn't there a 10-10 CW sprint coming up sometime soon? Looking forward to
putting it through its paces. Tnx agin for the responses.

Paul, k4cvr


---
Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.
Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
Version: 6.0.648 / Virus Database: 415 - Release Date: 3/31/04

Paul,

I just re-strung my quad last weekend. For measuring the wire, I used a
wooden dowel rod, stuck through the center of the wire spool, laid across
the front/rear steps of a ladder. I connected a 100' measuring tape to the
same point, and then pulled away for the ladder with wire and tape held
together. Worked fine. I generally add a couple of feet to each measurement,
just in case the formula and my design are in dis-agreement.

Yes - the 10-10 Spring CW contest is the first weekend in May
(www.ten-ten.org). Hope to work you then!

--
-larry
K8UT
10X #2582

"Paul" wrote in message
et...
Tnx for all the responses. As I mentioned, the wire I'm using is 1.6 mill.
diameter aluminum mig wire. This is a 2 element, 10 meter antenna. This
afternoon I tied one end to a tree right next to the end of a 50' tape and
ran out the both of them to the desired length and snipped the wire. I
repeated this for the other and commenced to tying this rascal up.

Isn't there a 10-10 CW sprint coming up sometime soon? Looking forward to
putting it through its paces. Tnx agin for the responses.

Paul, k4cvr


---
Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.
Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
Version: 6.0.648 / Virus Database: 415 - Release Date: 3/31/04

"Larry Gauthier (K8UT)" wrote in message
...
Paul,

I just re-strung my quad last weekend. For measuring the wire, I used a
wooden dowel rod, stuck through the center of the wire spool, laid across
the front/rear steps of a ladder. I connected a 100' measuring tape to the
same point, and then pulled away for the ladder with wire and tape held
together. Worked fine. I generally add a couple of feet to each
measurement,
just in case the formula and my design are in dis-agreement.

How do you then determine the correct reflector length?

Dale W4OP

Bill Turner wrote in message
...


Is the wire made of aluminum or just used for welding aluminum?
Aluminum has a poor reputation for cracking from metal fatigue. Have
you tested your wire for fatigue resistance? This will be important
when used for quad wires.

--
Bill, W6WRT
QSLs via LoTW


Hi Bill. This stuff is Almigweld alloy welding wire made by Alcotec
http://www.alcotec.com/prodline.htm#SPEC I guess I made it sound like it was
pure aluminum wire, sorry bout that. A friend tossed me a roll of this stuff
leftover from a quad he bought awhile back. Being that this is what I had on
hand and that it worked well for him I figured I'd use it too. 73

Paul, K4CVR


---
Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.
Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
Version: 6.0.648 / Virus Database: 415 - Release Date: 3/31/04

Larry Gauthier (K8UT) wrote in message
...

Yes - the 10-10 Spring CW contest is the first weekend in May
(www.ten-ten.org). Hope to work you then!

--
-larry
K8UT
10X #2582


Hopefully we'll have some decent band conditions to work with. I'll keep an
ear out for you! 73

Paul, K4CVR
10x 73888

Ten-Tec Jupiter
ElectroInstrument "Key-8" key
big pot of coffee
and the quad...


---
Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.
Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
Version: 6.0.648 / Virus Database: 415 - Release Date: 3/31/04