Topband: suitable wire for top loading wires?

[John Bastin]

On Mar 16, 2010, at 15:44:57, Jonathan white wrote:
> 
> Hi everyone.
> I have had my top loaded vertical  break on me again.

> The antenna is held up by a probably 70` eucalyptus tree,the top loading 
> wires run away via insulators to pulleys and long elastic cords to take 
> up execive movements during high winds.

> It has failed on me twice now after about 3 months .This time I used 
> flexiweave  and this has broken.

> Would it be ok to use say galvanized wire for the top loading wire.
> This antenna has been a star performer in the recent CQ WW 160 SSB 
> Contest, furthest was Georgia and cape Verde islands.and got across to 
> Pennsylvania,but he couldn't confirm my call sign due to local qrm.Not 
> bad for 100w
> So I am reluctant to give this vertical up,Any suggestions from the team.

Do you have access to copperweld wire? That's what I would use in this application.

I have several wires up using copperweld wire. I've had ropes and supports break, but the antenna wire is still in one piece.

Hope this helps.


John K8AJS
bastinj at gmail.com