wire for a hf half wave dipole

[slipknot]

Hi all. just woundering if its ok to use just normal single core electic wire for a half wave dipole with a balun?
the wire im talking about is the sort of wire used to wire up switches and power points in houses but its single core, otherwise how does 12 volt wire sound?

[WPXZBP]

Ideally you don't want it too heavy. I have used "12V" wire in the past with reasonable results.

If you can, make a delta loop - not too difficult to manufacture. They give very good results.

[VK6ZMS]

Also thin wire will stretch.
I just bought a 100 meter roll of single core wire from Bunnings. its handy to have some spare.

You can run different bands on one balun
http://www.hamuniverse.com/multidipole.html

[robbage]

If you get the stuff that stretches, make a 10 metre dipole. You can work 15 metres on it this time next year.. .

Bunnings also sell insulated single core in 50 metre lengths for (I think) around $12. It's green and you can find it in the gardening section.

[meg]

If you get the stuff that stretches, make a 10 metre dipole. You can work 15 metres on it this time next year..

LOL - I like it - think ahead to the bands you gain access to with the Standard license!

I'm struggling through the ARRL antenna book at the moment... it's pretty dense reading. However, have also found some antenna making articles in the back issues of the WIA mag that we got at Ham College which are easier to digest.

Slipknot - I'd love to see some photos of what you make - I'd really like to make a start on some antennae too.

[VK6ZMS]

Hi Meg
DX Zone have a number of links for home brew antennas.

http://www.dxzone.com/catalog/Antennas/

Cheers

[meg]

Hi Meg
DX Zone have a number of links for home brew antennas.

http://www.dxzone.com/catalog/Antennas/

Cheers

Wow - that's a huge list! Thanks ZMS - will add a trip to Bunnings to the list of things to do this weekend