Gary:
I'm inferring that your wire actually touches the tree limbs somewhere.
If that is the case, you ought to run the L wire through a pulley that is
held up in the tree by a flexible link, like a bungee cord. The bungee will
give the antenna a bit more flexibility in high winds that are probably
abraiding your current antenna configuration. Or you can run a lanyard
from the ground through the pulley and use the lanyard to support an
insulator through which the wire is threaded.
It's a PITA to get the pulley into the tree (you obviously can't use an
arrow or slingshot) but it will prolong the life of your wire. I've used
this method for my L for nine years after the first two wires broke due to
abraision.
73 de
Gene Smar AD3F
----- Original Message -----
From: "Gary Smith" <Gary@ka1j.com>
To: <topband@contesting.com>
Sent: Wednesday, May 26, 2010 7:26 PM
Subject: Topband: Inverted L wire
> Hi,
>
> I just fired up 160 to see what I might find active at this time of
> year & found the SWR was terrible. Resonance is now around 2 MHz and
> my guess is the wire has broken inside the insulation again.
>
> I'm thinking my best bet is to replace the wire with something
> essentially bulletproof as possible. Since it is over tree tops, I
> have to use insulated wire and the insulation has to be durable.
>
> I am on the edge of a salt marsh and the antenna is over the closest
> tall tree to the marsh. This means the tree gets hammered by strong
> winds. The wire itself needs to be able to hold up under these
> conditions.
>
> Any suggestions on what I might find most beneficial?
>
> Thanks.
>
> 73,
>
> Gary
> KA1J
> _______________________________________________
> UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK
_______________________________________________
UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK
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