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Wire type & dealer ?

Posted: Wed Jul 19, 2023 1:48 pm
by K4RLC
Vy SRI if this has been discussed before - didn't come up in search.
Have used a portable packable vertical for SOTA ops (MP-1), as like to hang out on exposed rock faces.
Just built a QrpGuys transfomer/balun for a no-tune EFHW.
Want to use lightest wire possible, but not something that will snap or break easily.
What have yall had success with?
Tnx,
Bob K4RLC

Re: Wire type & dealer ?

Posted: Wed Jul 19, 2023 5:24 pm
by KO4RSJ
Hey Bob,

For portable operations, I've had success with 26 AWG Poly-Stealth antenna wire from Amateur Radio Supplies.
Link: https://www.amateurradiosupplies.com/category-s/218.htm

73...Mike

Re: Wire type & dealer ?

Posted: Wed Jul 19, 2023 5:38 pm
by kc0myw
I bought some of this (https://chameleonantenna.com/shop-here/ols/products/xn-cha-250-wire-ptfe-j42j) when I ordered my MPAS Lite and I have used it for a couple different antennas and it's been some pretty good stuff.

I also ordered this wire from eBay (https://www.ebay.com/itm/256102699851) and it has worked well, but is definitely much smaller and lighter weight. I haven't had any issues or breaks, but it feels a bit more fragile than the stuff from Chameleon.

Re: Wire type & dealer ?

Posted: Thu Jul 20, 2023 12:53 am
by KL7MJ
I've bought some cheap 26 gauge stranded tinned copper wire on Amazon that works well enough. One thing I noticed is that it was much more flexible than polystealth wire. I think it is more likely to stretch over time, but it's good for experimenting with before buying the good (and expensive) polystealth.

73,
Mike, KL7MJ/4

Re: Wire type & dealer ?

Posted: Thu Jul 20, 2023 2:22 pm
by K4RLC
Thanks to all for the great information.
I'll follow up. Sounds like it's good to order a large spool,
and experiment with it.
Best,
Bob K4RLC

Re: Wire type & dealer ?

Posted: Sun Jul 23, 2023 12:23 am
by Phil - W9XAN
https://www.amazon.com/BNTECHGO-Silicon ... 0711HRSNT/

is what I use almost exclusively for QRP wire antennas, in a variety of colors. Great stuff! Very limp and flexible, seems to slide over tree branches easily, made kind of like miniature welding cable with many very fine strands. Hasn't broken on me yet. Less than $20 for 250 foot spool.

Re: Wire type & dealer ?

Posted: Mon Jul 24, 2023 3:29 pm
by KL7MJ
That's the stuff I use too!

73,
Mike, KL7MJ/4