DX-WIRE Ultralight UL - Strong Lightweight Antenna Wire

Lengths available:

• 45 metres (approx 147 ft)
  
• 85 metres (approx 278 ft)
  
• 170 metres (approx 557 ft)
  
• 400 metres (approx 1312 ft)
  

Note: the core material has now changed from Aramid to Vectran. This stretches less, which should reduce the risk of the jacket cracking under high tension and cold temperatures.

This stranded antenna wire is supplied to us from Germany. The lightweight load bearing core of the wire is made from Vectran, which is a high strength synthetic fibre. The Vectran fibres are wrapped with six tinned copper strands of 0.25 mm O.D. The effective surface of the wire is substantially enlarged to an effective skin area of more than 0.5 mm2 in RF applications.

To make the core weatherproof it is coated with a UV-resistant black polyethylene sleeve. With a total diameter of only 1.6 mm (incl. insulation) and a weight of just 4 g/m the tensile-strength of 60 kg (130 lbs) is exceptional. Considering the copper content of 3g/m the weight advantage of the synthetic fibre becomes obvious. DX-Wire UL allows you to make extremely long LW-antennas and Beverages with minimal slack, in a way that is not possible with conventional antenna wires. DX-Wire UL is great for balloon or kite-supported antennas. Its low weight and high break-load makes it most suitable for DX-peditions.

We are often asked how much power can be run using such thin wires. In our experience, in "full-size " antennas they can stand up to 1500 Watts in normal amateur radio duty cycles. For shortened antennas with low impedances and thus high currents, heavier wires should be used.

Note that the very lightweight design means that this wire is more vulnerable to damage from kinks or sharp bends than other types of wire. For best results, handle the wire carefully to avoid these. If storing this wire on a winder, using a figure-of-eight winding pattern can reduce the risk of kinking. Also note that winding it too tightly should be avoided, as this may cause sharp bends in the wire.

To protect the thin wire against damage and kinks from wire clips, the ends should be strengthened with adhesive lined shrink tubing. This is particularly recommended for permanent and high-safety installations. Therefore we offer suitable shrink tubing as an accessory. Our 3-1mm adhesive-lined tubing is good for this.

Note that if over-tensioned, the internal fibres can stretch more than the insulation jacket. If this is done at low temperatures the insulation can crack. To avoid this , DX-wire UL should not be stretched more than necessary at low temperatures. The wire is extremely light and has minimum sag, therefore you need only a little force to keep the wire straight . Please note, that DX-WIRE UL is a product " on  the edge "... It is maybe not a product for every purpose .... The wire is extremely light and thin and weather resistant (when not stretched to much at low temperatures ) We could use other insulation material, but the wire would be thicker, heavier or not so uv resistant .... therefore we keep it as it is .....

Specification

• Vectran core wrapped with six 0.25 mm copper strands (cross section approx 0.3 mm²),
• Weather-proof polyethylene (PE) insulation, 1.6 mm outer diameter
  
• Weight: only 4 grams per metre
• Breaking-load: 620 N (60 kg or 130 lbs)
• Velocity factor 0.97