Earlier this week I posted a request asking about what I thought might be a
lack of response to several phone requests and a written request for a catalog
from Antenna Mart. Let me assure everyone that my posted inquiry on the Tower
reflector was not meant to cast dispersions on Antenna Mart.
I received many postive responses from others on the reflector who know Bill
personally and professionally and have been very pleased with his products and
performance. And because the response has been so great I feel a
responsibility to Bill and Antenna Mart to set the record straight.
Allen Bond of Max-Gain spoke to Bill and related to me that no less than 3
catalogs have been sent to me and yet another is being sent certified mail to
insure that I receive one. Bill at Antenna Mart has gone the extra mile! Not
to mention that at $2's a catalog; he has already lost money. Clearly I have a
problem with my postal service and I will be looking into it. Bill, I am sorry
for the inconvenience.
That being said I would like to summarize my research into base insulators for
a 1/4 wavelength vertical on 160m. I originally was considering fabricating my
own base insulators and was going to use a material called G-10. It is a grade
LE phenolic and is also called "Garolite." 1/2" dia x 72" is $20. 3/4"i.d. x
.25" wall tube is $38.
It is sold at various plastics distributors.
(McMaster-Carr 908-329-3200)
(Ultra Inc. 414-771-4747)
(U.S. Plastics 800-537-9724)
I got estimates from a Physical Engineer, machinist, and welder and while the
material is within reason, actually fabricating a finished insulator that will
hold up and let me sleep nights is near the $500 mark. Yes if you have the
necessary skills you can surely do it cheaper. That is why I included a
suppliers list. Frankly, fudge factors scare me and that is why I included the
cost of a PE.
in my original estimate.
And this brings me back to Antenna Mart. Here is a description of what they
have ready made for $275 list per set of 3. You need 3 per tower.
"They are welded, machined, hi-carbon steel, insulation rated 12kv, tested to
20 tons compression. Included are 18 all stainless bolts per set."
There is one other source that I checked out and that is Rohn. I called Peoria
and they quoted me $1029 for an insulated tower section cat# 25RG.
Another summary of research that I would like to offer is regarding Coax
Manufactures. If you want to find a product or manufacture go to
http://www.eemonline.com (you can search by manufacture or product)
also you can try
http://www.isa.org/directory/manufact/manufact.html
The Thomas Register also has a web page but I have not found their search
engine window just tons of advertising.
Andrew 708-349-3300
Alpha 908-925-8000; 800-52-ALPHA
Belden 317-983-5200; 800-BELDEN-2
Com/Scope 800-438-3335
Manhattan 914-967-8000
Times Fiber 800-677-2288
I hope that this information is helpful. And I want to thank everyone for
their contribution.
Joe AA6WG
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