RHF wrote:
- You do want to use solid wire since the signals are collected
- on the surface of the wire for the best results.

QUESTION - What's Your Opinion "Antenna Wire" : Solid -or- Stranded ?

let the debate begin ~ RHF

If the signals are collected on the surface of the wire, wouldn't you
want to use *stranded* wire? For the same gauge, it would have a
greater surface area.

Due to the skin effect I would suggest stranded would also have lower
resistance: lower losses delivering the signal from the outer parts of
the antenna to the feedline.

But I believe the difference is negligible. Really, the only
consideration for a receiving antenna should be mechanical: how hard is
it to get the antenna strung and will it *stay* strung once you string it?

I use #14 stranded, sold at Home Depot for home wiring.

I do have a 700' Beverage using solid aluminum electric fence wire.
ONLY because it was dirt cheap. The stuff is really hard to work with.
(and I managed to snap it twice trying to pull it through the woods)

--
Doug Smith W9WI
Pleasant View (Nashville), TN EM66
http://www.w9wi.com