G5RV Problem Solved (Again!)

[AG6TA]

A few days ago I wrote about a Van Gorden G5RV that had came with very easily-corroded wire (2 months and it literally dissolved) and did not even have a solder joint between the twin lead and the antenna wire. Replacing the wire with insulated wire did not work; antenna would not tune, SWRs off the chart.

Now I replaced it with 14 gauge solid non-insulated wire from Tortured Supply, soldered the twin lead connections, and now the antenna works better than stock!

KG6ZAN.

[AG3Y]

Good job ! Now, aren't you proud of yourself? You should be !

73, Jim

[W5DXP]

Replacing the wire with insulated wire did not work; antenna would not tune, SWRs off the chart. Now I replaced it with 14 gauge solid non-insulated wire from Tortured Supply, soldered the twin lead connections, and now the antenna works better than stock!

Insulated wire can lower the resonant frequency by about three percent. An antenna that was resonant on 14.2 MHz can become resonant on 13.8 MHz.

[G0GQK]

Its not possible to have one half bare wire and the other half plastic covered, its all to do with velocity factor.

G0GQK

[W4INF]

VF changes with insulation? I thought it had to do with metallurgy. :cool:

Andrew