On Sat, 2007-03-03 at 18:49 -0500, Dan Zimmerman N3OX wrote:
> >A few folks recommended off-list to use insulated wire for the dipole.
> >I'm considering using the copper-weld style copper plated steel wire
> >for strength / conductivity. Is there anything similar that is
> >insulated? I would have to insure the insulation is UV stable as well.
>
> If you take W5DXP's suggestion to make a folded dipole out of ladder line,
> you can purchase copper clad steel ladder line... then you've got good
> insulation, the strength of copperweld, and an antenna that is naturally at
> DC ground potential.
Yes, thank you guys for this info. I wasn't even aware copper clad
steel ladder line was an option. I've been looking a ladder line based
dipoles today and I think this is the way I'll go. It took me a few
minutes to figure out what you meant by an antenna that is naturally at
ground potential. I see that with a good ground on one of the antenna
leads a folded dipole has a low resistance path to ground throughout the
entire antenna. Having never made a folded dipole, except for use on
the commercial FM band (and I didn't even know that it was called a
folded dipole at the time), my initial reaction was to shy away from
this option. Looks like a winner in my situation.
Along with a lightning arrestor to shunt possible surges on the center
conductor of my transmission line and a solid earth ground on the shield
I've come up with a paper sketch of my plans.
The greater bandwidth of the folded dipole is a bonus too!
73 - Jeff
KE7FRJ
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