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Re: Topband: soldering radials

To: topband@contesting.com
Subject: Re: Topband: soldering radials
From: Herb Schoenbohm <herbs@vitelcom.net>
Reply-to: herbs@vitelcom.net
Date: Tue, 16 Aug 2011 08:30:58 -0400
List-post: <topband@contesting.com">mailto:topband@contesting.com>

On 8/15/2011 8:12 PM, Jorge Diez - CX6VM wrote:
> Hello,
>
>
>
> a friend told me to not solder radials to the vertical ring/plate and
> between them if I am installing an array, like a 4 square. That´s because
> can catch some noise.
>
>
>
> That´s true?
>
>
>
> If yes, how can I solder them? Also if I use a DXE plate to atacch the
> radials, I need to solder the wire to terminals, so what type of solder may
> I use?
>
>
>
> Jorge it depends a lot on the type and size of radial wire used.  Solid 
> copper wire #6 through #10 are soldered to large copper strap in broadcast 
> installations using silver solder and a torch. Extreme care and cleaning are 
> required for a good and stable connection.  Some installation use large crimp 
> lugs which can take a number of bare copper wires gathered into a single lug 
> and crimp with a very large crimp tool.  Probably the best ground 
> connection(s) are by using the cad-weld method but the cost is high per 
> connection. Any dissimilar metal connections are a potential problem for 
> which interface connectors are used to prevent the eating up of the less 
> noble wire as current does flow through each wire.  Due to the high theft of 
> entire copper ground systems in some areas some BC stations have  replaced 
> their whole ground systems with very inexpensive barbed wire and have report  
> good results.  The problem is the installation handling.  It not fun but with 
> the right equipment like a vibrating hollow server plow blade it can be done 
> and with good speed laying the barbed wire under ground. The replacement of 
> the ground system is however reduce from 20 years to 10 but comparison in 
> cost to copper is worth considering.  Copper clad steel is also reasonable at 
> #18 but the survivability depending upon soil type may require even more 
> frequent replacement.
Regards,  Herb KV4FZ



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