Hollow vs Solid radials

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AlphaFive

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I have been searching the wiki here, and in general for opinions regarding the reception capabilities of discone radials. I have several discones and one is hollow aluminum that I have had for more than 20 years. I cannot recall the brand. I am concerned that the hollow aluminum is inferior to the solid radials. It seems that way when I place different scanners onto that discone. Can someone please refer me to a site to learn about this issue, or let me know what they think, Thank You
 

ab5r

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I personally doubt that it would make ANY difference. I would suspect the coax being faulty first or connection rusty or corroded.
 

AlphaFive

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hollow vs solid radial

Thanks for the reply, after a few hours of reading, no one seems to notice any difference regarding reception,,,, the reception question doesn't seem to arise. Thanks again, take care
 

lep

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It won't make any difference whether the radials are "solid" or hollow. At UHF where this type antenna is commonly used the 'skin effect' comes into play.
 

AlphaFive

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Hollow vs Solid

That makes perfect sense, now that you explain it. Actually the hollow aluminum which I was suspect of, is slightly larger, Thank you all, and take care
 

prcguy

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The skin effect varies with frequency where signals at 1MHz can penetrate the surface plating on copper plated steel wire causing measurable loss. At VHF/UHF and above its mostly confined to the skin and you probably won't find tubing thin enough to cause any loss compared to a solid conductor of the same diameter.

You may find more difference between antennas based on the type of metal used. Stainless steel is not a great conductor and identical antennas made of aluminum and stainless steel have been compared where the aluminum version measured slightly better. I sort of remember numbers approaching .5dB difference. You would never notice that in normal operation but it can be measured.
prcguy
 

AlphaFive

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Hollow vs Solid

Thanks for the information, I'm feeling pretty confident that although the structure is different, nothing noticeable will occur regarding loss, thanks again
 
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