Topband: Beverage strain auto-disconnects

[Missouri Guy]

Hi Paul,
  
> My Beverages run through forest. Falling trees caused many wire 
> breaks and high maintenance until I started using strain disconnects 
> 
> at all ends. I use a "fuse" link of #18 soft copper wire between the 
> 
> end insulator and the support pole/tree. 
 
That's good.  Better than having to splice a wire or worse, ladder-line!
 
>For the Beverage connection 
> to the transformer, termination, or reflection transformer (most are 
> WD1A reversible type), I've been using 1/4" blade connectors. This 
> allows the Beverage to fall and simply unplug itself from the boxes. 
> In 4 years using this system I have not had to splice a single wire, 
> and they have been down MANY times.
> My concern is those blade connectors, which turn an ugly mottled 
> black within a year after installation. I'm not sure if this is a 
> real problem or an imagined one. The Beverages still work but I'm 
> concerned about possible BCI or other crud being generated in these 
> connections. Does anyone have a better idea for disconnects to 
> protect Beverage wire and boxes from destruction?
 
For connections to boxes, "5-way" binding posts on the box
and solder-type banana plugs on the wires work well.  Fill the posts
with Vaseline then insert the plug, squeezing out the excess.
That will help provide a gas-tight/water-tight connection.  If
the posts ever need cleaning on the inside, use a cotton
swab chucked in a portable electric drill and some metal polish.
 
73,
Charlie, N0TT