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[TowerTalk] T-bars (capacity hats) was: Re: Aluminum tubing insert overl

To: towertalk@contesting.com
Subject: [TowerTalk] T-bars (capacity hats) was: Re: Aluminum tubing insert overlap...
From: Pete Smith <n4zr@contesting.com>
Reply-to: n4zr@contesting.com
Date: Sat, 17 Sep 2011 07:41:46 -0400
List-post: <towertalk@contesting.com">mailto:towertalk@contesting.com>
About T-bars -- does anyone else remember pictures of Sigma 80 yagis 
broken at the junction between the T-bars and the elements?  I think I 
recall one station where all 4 broke (on a 2-element).

73, Pete N4ZR

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On 9/17/2011 7:33 AM, Jim Thomson wrote:
> From: Robert Chudek - K0RC<k0rc@citlink.net>
> Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Aluminum tubing insert overlap...
>
> Thanks for all the feedback so far...
>
> After I posted my question I dug around in my book library and found
> "Physical Design of Yagi Antennas" by David B. Leeson W6QHS. That was
> ARRL publication #3819 in 1992 but is now out of print.
>
> There are 11 Chapters which cover many aspects of mechanical design,
> including improvements for survivability of 10, 15, and 20 meter yagis
> and the popular Cushcraft 2 element 40m yagi. I have not found an answer
> to my specific "overlap" question, although I haven't read the book
> cover-to-cover yet. It might be in there somewhere, yet to be found.
>
> %%%  A bare min of triple the diameter  for any  overlap..and preferably
> a  lot more, like 4-6 times the diam...and a snug fit, not a sloppy fit.
>
>
>
>
>
> The book contains all the math needed to make wind survivability
> calculations for homebrew elements and masts. A quick Google search
> turned up a Lotus WK1 spreadsheet created by the author at:
> http://www.realhamradio.com/Download.htm
>
> %%%%   The arrl has free mast software.  K7NV and also DX eng
> has ele mech design software.  You will get a real eye opener
> after playing around with them for hrs on end.
>
>
> Experimenting with this tool last night was a real eye opener... It
> reveals what you thought would be stronger element (extending the larger
> tubes) is in reality a potential failure point! Longer "whippy ends"
> help create survivability. I also learned that you model an element
> starting at the tip and working toward the boom with the larger
> sections.
>
> %%%%  yes, start at the ele tips and work inwards.  Ditto with
> booms on yagi`s.
>
>
>
>
> My original plan was to investigate shortening this full sized dipole
> using top hats or linear loading. My goal was to reduce the windload and
> torque exerted on the tower. The failed antenna was over 70 feet long
> and presented a big lever at the top of the tower. My target length was
> 50 feet +/- 10% without using loading coils.
>
> %%%%  My  F-12 3-el 40m yagi  .... called a  340N  uses els that are aprx
> 51-53feet long...and use linear loading.  The linear loading consists of   
> three sixteenths
> solid AL rod.   The LL extends OUT  towards the tips.  It`s a superb design.  
> The tips are
> .375 OD....and the very middle is  1.875 x .125 wall.  Aprx 24 lbs  per 
> ele..and good for
> over 100 mph. Minimal wind load too.....like  3.3 sq feet per ele.
>
> %%%  capacity hats..or T bars as F-12 calls them  also work superb.  F-12  
> does not put the
> capacity hats out at the extreme  ends either.  On a 50 foot ele... the  T 
> bars  would not have to
> be very long either..like  aprx   16 foot...tip to tip.  And aprx 2  thirds 
> the way out on each side.
> That`s like adding a 10m ele part way out on each side.   A   pair of 16 ft  
> T bars  can easily be
> made to be very light.   The simplest conversion would probably be to take 
> the stock 70 ft long
> telrex el..and lop  10 ft off each end....then  add the  16 ft T bars   at 
> aprx  15-20 ft on either
> side of the center feedpoint.
>
> later... Jim   VE7RF
>
>
>
>
> 73 de Bob - K0RC in MN
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
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