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baconman71
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My question is just what the title says. Why is copper tubing used instead of normal wire or enameled wire to make antennas and coils at high frequencies? Does it offer less resistance than normal wire?
baconman71 said:My question is just what the title says. Why is copper tubing used instead of normal wire or enameled wire to make antennas and coils at high frequencies? Does it offer less resistance than normal wire?
rbj said:...
i don't think copper is used too much, simply because it tarnishes when exposed to air over long periods.
baconman71 said:My question is just what the title says. Why is copper tubing used instead of normal wire or enameled wire to make antennas and coils at high frequencies? Does it offer less resistance than normal wire?
vk6kro said:Copper tubing is used instead of copper wire because it has a much lower resistance.
Because of skin effect, the resistance of the tubing or wire depends on the surface area of the conductor and tubing has a much greater surface area than wire, for the same length.
Copper is used instead of aluminum where a reliable electrical contact is needed. It can be easily soldered and connected to a feedline where copper conductors are also used.
Aluminum can be soldered with great difficulty and it corrodes rapidly, especially near the sea.
It is lighter and cheaper than copper, though, and is used for TV antennas where periodic replacement due to corrosion is acceptable.
Copper tubing is used to make high q antennas because it has a high conductivity and low resistance, making it an ideal material for transmitting and receiving radio signals. Additionally, copper tubing is durable and can withstand harsh weather conditions, making it suitable for outdoor use.
No, copper tubing is not the only material that can be used for high q antennas. Other materials such as silver, gold, and aluminum can also be used. However, copper is the most commonly used material due to its availability, cost-effectiveness, and properties that make it suitable for antenna construction.
Copper tubing has a high surface area to volume ratio, which allows for better heat dissipation and decreases the chances of signal loss due to heating. This helps improve the overall performance and efficiency of high q antennas.
One disadvantage of using copper tubing for high q antennas is its susceptibility to corrosion. If not properly protected, exposure to moisture and other environmental factors can cause the copper tubing to corrode, reducing its effectiveness as an antenna material.
Yes, copper tubing can be used for both transmitting and receiving antennas. Its high conductivity and low resistance make it suitable for both purposes, allowing for efficient transmission and reception of radio signals.