Can I add wire to my current wire, just twisting them together or will this degrade performance? Really don’t want to redo the entire line if I don’t have to. But if this is a bad idea, will re do it. Thanks.
Adding wire to my wire
- Thread starter bearcatrp
- Start date
Blackswan73
Active Member
You can twist them together, but I would also suggest that you solder the joint to make it stronger and to lower the resistance
B.S.
B.S.
If your wire is insulated, be sure to remove the insulation first and remove any oxidation on the wire, if present. If it is insulated wire, I will place a length of heat-shrink tubing on one of the wires to encase the connection when finished. Next, you want to wrap each wire around the other wire so that the two wires cannot be pulled apart. Then solder them together to make a secure connection. Then place the heat-shrink tubing over the exposed wired connection and shrink it (if you added the heat-shrink tubing earlier). You should now have a connection that will last for years to come.
One note… I usually use 18 gauge Copperweld(R) wire for antennas such as this:
DX Engineering DXE-ANTCW18-100 DX Engineering Copperweld® Antenna Wire | DX Engineering
Free Shipping - DX Engineering Copperweld® Antenna Wire with qualifying orders of $99. Shop Wire at DX Engineering.
Since it does have a steel core that is copper plated, it is more difficult to wrap if connecting two wires. For that reason, replacing the entire length with a single piece of Copperweld(R) is usually better since the wire is relatively inexpensive.
Am using copper wire that has the plastic sheath. Bought a spool from Home Depot. Can’t remember the gauge. Appreciate the replies.
