Wire type & dealer ?

Do you have a question about choosing a radio, installing an antenna, or are you simply seeking advice about getting started in QRP and field radio? This is a place where you can ask your questions and seek guidance from a wide variety of radio enthusiasts. No questions are too simple. You will be treated with respect here.
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K4RLC
Posts: 9
Joined: Tue Jul 18, 2023 5:21 pm

Wire type & dealer ?

Post 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
KO4RSJ
Posts: 10
Joined: Sun Jun 12, 2022 12:27 pm

Re: Wire type & dealer ?

Post 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
73 and God Bless...Mike (KO4RSJ)
Shenandoah Valley, Virginia
kc0myw
Posts: 25
Joined: Thu May 18, 2023 4:26 am

Re: Wire type & dealer ?

Post 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.
KL7MJ
Posts: 87
Joined: Mon May 15, 2023 9:06 pm

Re: Wire type & dealer ?

Post 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
K4RLC
Posts: 9
Joined: Tue Jul 18, 2023 5:21 pm

Re: Wire type & dealer ?

Post 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
Phil - W9XAN
Posts: 1
Joined: Thu Jun 01, 2023 11:45 am

Re: Wire type & dealer ?

Post 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.
KL7MJ
Posts: 87
Joined: Mon May 15, 2023 9:06 pm

Re: Wire type & dealer ?

Post by KL7MJ »

That's the stuff I use too!

73,
Mike, KL7MJ/4
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