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Topband: Making low wires more visible de K0FF

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Subject: Topband: Making low wires more visible de K0FF
From: K0FF@ARRL.NET (K0FF)
Date: Fri, 8 Sep 2000 14:47:05 -0500
Some one was asking about marking or otherwise making low wires more visible
to avoid collisions etc.
A few of the methods used here may be of interest. Our biggest problem is
the downlead portion of the Beverage wires. These are about 60 feet at both
ends where the wire slopes down to the termination or feed point. Invariably
one end winds up in an area that is mowed or otherwise frequented by the
tractor or mower. To make the black wire more visible in those areas, I use
a spray paint called" Keson Ultra-Mark Fluorescent Spray / Red-Orange". This
is the stuff that surveyors use to mark the ground before road construction
etc. I think some of the the girls at the mall must spray their hair with it
too.  I was able to get it for about $3.00 at the local Redi-Mix company,
but in larger towns it's probably available from WW Grainger or other supply
house. I like to spray a pattern of 6" stripes on the wire, and leave
about a foot between the stripes.

HTTP://homepages.dstream.net/K0FF/Spraycan.jpeg
HTTP://homepages.dstream.net/K0FF/stripes.jpeg


For more critical instances you can make little flags out of the 1" wide
plastic ribbon that the surveyors use to mark their marking post with. These
are from a bright pink color, and will last a few seasons at least:
HTTP://homepages.dstream.net/K0FF/flags.jpeg

Finally for ground rods that have to stick out of the earth, or fence post
stobs that are only used to support the Beverage poles in the winter season,
I find that a Pennzoil plastic container, which is a bright yellow, stuck
over it, is highly visible, and lasts forever.

HTTP://homepages.dstream.net/K0FF/oilcan.jpeg

73 Geo>K0FF









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