Hi Dennis..
Subject: [antennaware] Quad Antenna Help
> Hello everyone. I'm looking for some ideas on stringing a quad. What is
> the
> best method to minimize fatigue on wire? I'd like the wire to last
> longer than
> two years!
I use #14 hard drawn copper wire.. I have NEVER had a wire break on my
present Quad.
Do NOT drill holes for the wire on your quad arms...It weakens the arms,
and gives a rigid point where the wire can flex and eventually break. I use
very large "cable ties" to hold the element corners. These are flexible, and
act like shock absorbers to the wire. Another trick is to wind a piece of
wire around the element at the corners, these also act as shock absorbers.
I have had a few cable ties break in bad storms here, but these can be
replaced in a few minutes. Even if a tie breaks, the element stays in place,
'cos I put two ties at each element corner....one looser than the other. If
the main tie breaks, the second one holds it in place....a bit looser, but
safe. Every Summer, I check all these ties, and replace, or tighten as
neccessary.
I hope this helps..
Vy 73
de
John EI7BA http://www.qsl.net/ei7ba/
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