[antennaware] Open wire for elements

[Gary Breed]

Steve

My experience with ladder line as an antenna is that it is mechanically
poor.  The #18 conductors on typical ladderline aren't strong enough
for 80 meter dipole lengths.  Maybe heavier versions are OK, 
but I don't see #14 ladder line very often, then it's expensive.  And 
definitely avoid the plastic-coated twin-lead type with the square cutouts!

Recommendation ---

You can use good hard-drawn copper or copperweld wire as the
longest dipole, taking most of the load.  Then use the ladder line for the 
other bands.  I'm not sure what the best method is for hanging the 
ladder line from the main wire, but browsing around a good hardware
store should turn up something!  For example, bicycle flag masts or 
driveway reflectors use 1/4-inch fiberglass rod (or something similar) 
that can be cut and drilled to make strong spacers.

73,

Gary Breed, K9AY
gary@noblepub.com
_________________
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From: 	W9SN[SMTP:nw9g@netusa1.net]
Sent: 	Saturday, July 04, 1998 10:08 AM
To: 	antennaware@contesting.com
Subject: 	[antennaware] Open wire for elements


I have been thinking about rebuilding my fan dipole.
Anyone out there used 450 ohm ladderline for the dipole elements?
One wire could be cut for one band and the other wire for another
band.  I just didn't know how well it would hold up in the weather.
Is there a better choice than 450 ohm line for this.  I want full
size dipole on 160/80/40/30 meters.  I have a home brew up there now
and it is so heavy that it keeps breaking in wind storms and it is
so old (2 yrs) that it's time for a new one.  Thanks all.....



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