[GreenKeys] On PVC poles

[Dave Horsfall]

(Somewhat on topic, as I did use "glass" RTTY[*] some years ago, and am 
trying to find room for a real one).

I have a need to make a helical (easily concealed etc), but I am somewhat 
baffled by "common knowledge" so I figured that this list is the best 
resource :-)  A magnetic loop is too directional for my tastes, as is also 
far too high-Q i.e. needs to be re-tuned if you shift by a just a few kHz.

Metal is obviously right out, and I understand so is wood (because of its 
water content), so I thought about a length of PVC pipe with the helical 
wound around it.

Now, herein lies the tale...

Apparently PVC pipe may or may not contain carbon, and the only way to 
find out (apart from deciphering the manufacturer's code) is to place 
piece of it inside a microwave oven (with the wife not looking) with a 
glass of water to act as a dummy load to protect the magnetron.

If the PVC is warm, it contains carbon and is therefore unsuitable...

So, what is the veracity of this claim?

[*]
And yes, I know about the CR/LF problem, as with 72 columns.

-- Dave VK2KFU