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Re: [TowerTalk] Need sources of rope and fiberglass

To: "Roger \(K8RI\)" <K8RI-on-TowerTalk@tm.net>, <towertalk@contesting.com>
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Need sources of rope and fiberglass
From: "Bill Fikis" <w2ay@atmc.net>
Date: Wed, 4 Aug 2010 15:55:47 -0400
List-post: <towertalk@contesting.com">mailto:towertalk@contesting.com>
   All,   Here is  another  place to  get  "good"  rope  .............Bill / 
w2ay

--------------------------------------------------
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Need sources of rope and fiberglass

>>
> The problems I have are finding a braided rope. I don't want the type
> that has the woven protective sleeve over it.  I have problems with the
> core sticking out through the jacket with that stuff.    I purchased a
> 1000' spool of 3/16 braided that is something like 800# test, must be UV
> resistant as the stuff that has been up holding antennas for 3 or 4
> years is just as flexible as it was when I put it up...and no noticeable
> stretch...AND inexpensive, or it was when I purchased it. The stuff is
> great for general purpose work and I had a 500 foot roll of 1/2" braided
> that has been great.  They may not have quite the strength of the double
> braid (core with cover), but I find them more durable.
>
> I'm pretty sure I purchased it from either The Wireman, RFParts, or
> Davis.  I don't think either came from Davis. The problem is when I look
> at the sites, they don't give a complete description.  Guess it's time
> to get on the phone. All three places have been easy to deal with and
> very helpful.  As I've mentioned before, I'm sticking with Davis
> BuryFlex(TM) for my rotator loops.
>
>
> I've reached the point where I need another spool of the dark OD or
> Green 3/16" (No it's not parachute cord) and another 500' of the 1/2".
> Now if I could just find out where I purchased them<sigh>
>>
>> -- light weight 8 foot fiberglass rod or tube, at least 1 and half inch 
>> diameter.
>>
> 1 1/2" diameter rod would not be light so you are looking at tube.
> I gave away "the remnants" of a Diamond 144/440 21' tall vertical that
> had been "shortened" by lightening. About a foot from the top it looked
> like an exploded cigar and the radiator looked like a used piece of
> brazing rod, but the rest of the jacket was good. Matching network was
> also shot. But at-any-rate, the bottom section is about 1 to maybe 1
> 1/4" tube that would be long enough, although I don't know if it'd be
> strong enough.  So, you might also look for some of the old Diamond and
> other antennas of that type as I'd bet quite a few get thrown out.  You
> can fix the radiator easily enough, but I don't know how to fix the
> matching network which is potted. Any way it might be worth a try.
>
> 73
>
> Roger (K8RI)
>>
>> Well, my quad broke today in a gale.  The wind estimater says speed was 
>> 50 to 56 mph based on small tree blown over, twigs and limbs down, and so 
>> on.  I am impressed that the grass in the lots beside and behind me ... 
>> grass about 2 ft tall, was blown completely flat, so he wind at actual 
>> ground level was bad, too.  Standard factory Cubex with factory 
>> stiffner... 2 el full size 40m, 2el on 30, and 3 el on other two WARC 
>> bands.  Really worked nice!
>>
>> I made the mistake of not heading my quad West where the wind always 
>> comes from... I think because it hit it on an angle, one of the top two 
>> spreaders broke at about the half way point and all the wires of the 
>> driven element are drooping over the mess that is left.  The reflector, 
>> lacking he added load of the driven coax attached, survived.  I think the 
>> driven array also rotated on the boom and the whole thing could have been 
>> pushed back on the mast, it appears.
>>
>> I had plans already of putting in 8ft extensions on the ends of the boom 
>> and tying the whole thing into a fully guyed internally.  I do not know 
>> how I can get another fiberglass spreader shipped here, it is very long, 
>> and I have only one fiberglass extension rod to do the strengthening so 
>> that is another part to find.
>>
>> If you have suggestions on a very light very strong, sun resistant, non 
>> absorbing string, line, rope.... please let me know.  de HS0ZCW
>>
>> Charly
>>
>>
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>>
>>
>>
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>>
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