http://ecat.burndy.com/Comergent/burndy/search/YA*FX*
this is just the top line manufacturer of compression lugs, the link should take you to
the page for dual hole lugs
Similar products are available from a number of suppliers. All the major communications
hardware suppliers have a variety - Talley, Tessco, SitePro1, to name just a few
Be prepared for sticker shock, These are NOT your surplus or swap meet lugs
Sitepro probably has them at the lowest price in small (or large ) quantity
http://www.sitepro1.com/store/cart.php?m=product_list&c=15 this list shows both single
and double hole, long and short shank
They also have galvanized bolts and nuts - and stainless - to bolt it all together with.
Fanatics use silicon bronze bolts, nuts, washers when making a ground system - usually
for surge/lightening reduction grounding systems, but they will work just fine for a
radial system.
Robin
WA6CDR
----- Original Message -----
From: "Gary Smith" <Gary@ka1j.com>
To: <Topband@contesting.com>
Sent: Wednesday, February 04, 2015 10:57
Subject: Re: Topband: Radial Plate Designs
I've never seen the dual hole lugs but they certainly would stop the
attachments from moving. I like the idea.
I made my own radial plate from a 18" x 18" x 3/16" SS plate with a
square hole cut in the center for a butternut to be placed. I have 20
1/4" holes cut in per side. I used SS bolts, split ring "keepers" on
each side of the plate, washers & nuts. I used Penatrox on both sides
of the plate & inbetwixt all connections. For solder to the radials I
used non-lead plumbing solder and assembled this 4 or 5 years ago. It
rests on a bog on a salt water marsh, one that was under salt water
thanks to Hurricane Sandy (My Ameritron RCS-8V used to select which
antenna wire to use was just barely above the water and spared
damage).
This fall I went down to check the connections and remove the debris
that accumulates on the plate, it was totally covered by dirt and
organic material. In these rather harsh conditions I can say there
was no visible oxidation whatsoever on the solder, had I used lead,
it would have been significant. The 60 or so 130' radials were firmly
attached albeit several nuts did turn a bit as I tightened them down.
The Penetrox was still obviously present and the only sign of damage
was oxidation to the exposed copper braids at the end of all coax
leading to the 5 different antenna. I replaced the coax and all is
good for another year. How I get my wires over the trees you can see
at the bottom of my QRZ page.
In summary;
- In Salt Marsh/Salt water conditions SS plate is ideal as long as
the hardware also is SS.
- Leadless plumbing solder is an excellent choice for durability and
secure attachment to the radials.
- Not sure if the use of split ring "keepers" are necessary but due
to the slipperiness of the Penatrox I decided to use them to gain a
better purchase while tightening the bolts. Essentially, the
connections have remained secure for the last 4-5 years.
73,
Gary KA1J
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