I've been researching antenna element materials for a bit for a few NOAA, satellite and base station builds recently. I was surprised to see how low aluminum was on the list of electrical connectivity list, and how high copper was rated. I've got access to a fair supply of copper tubing, of just about any size for wholesale prices, so I'm curious as to the dimensions of what it use and why.
I plan on using hard drawn copper, even though its slightly less sensitive (by a minuscule amount) than soft drawn. I just need it for its rigidity and durability. But what determines the diameter of the tubing for the elements? I can get 5/16" upwards of 3" hard drawn, so sizes aren't an issue. The majority of antenna plans say to use 3/4", but why, and of what type? Copper comes is a few classes, type K (thickest), type L, M, DWV... I'd imagine the diameter of the elements will also take into account the thickness of the tubing itself.
Here are some charts of copper types and thicknesses for anyone who can help.
https://www.petersenproducts.com/category-s/1979.htm
https://www.copper.org/applications/plumbing/overview/commy_tube_tbl.html
I understand that the frequency will also dictate the characteristics of the elements, but smaller is preferable...less of an eye sore in the air lol. I plan on a few builds to cover NOAA, some weather satellites, railroads (similar to NOAA frequs.) and maybe general purpose mid range scanning (100-800mhz) and local law enforcement. Not all will be covered by one antenna, I plan on making specific task antennas. I've already built a general purpose dipole out of 3/4" copper hard drawn, and it works very well, but I wanted more.
I plan on using hard drawn copper, even though its slightly less sensitive (by a minuscule amount) than soft drawn. I just need it for its rigidity and durability. But what determines the diameter of the tubing for the elements? I can get 5/16" upwards of 3" hard drawn, so sizes aren't an issue. The majority of antenna plans say to use 3/4", but why, and of what type? Copper comes is a few classes, type K (thickest), type L, M, DWV... I'd imagine the diameter of the elements will also take into account the thickness of the tubing itself.
Here are some charts of copper types and thicknesses for anyone who can help.
https://www.petersenproducts.com/category-s/1979.htm
https://www.copper.org/applications/plumbing/overview/commy_tube_tbl.html
I understand that the frequency will also dictate the characteristics of the elements, but smaller is preferable...less of an eye sore in the air lol. I plan on a few builds to cover NOAA, some weather satellites, railroads (similar to NOAA frequs.) and maybe general purpose mid range scanning (100-800mhz) and local law enforcement. Not all will be covered by one antenna, I plan on making specific task antennas. I've already built a general purpose dipole out of 3/4" copper hard drawn, and it works very well, but I wanted more.