Topband: Ends for older Phillystran

[Tom W8JI]

> The bar idea would probably significantly reduce the allowable tension on 
> the cable, similar to what knotting does, due to the force at each "bite 
> point" weakening the cable. I suppose if the cable was sufficiently 
> oversized this wouldn't pose a problem, but I'd certainly expect such a 
> clamping method to effectively reduce the allowable tension significantly 
> below the normal rated load.
>

I wouldn't do anything as tight as a knot, especially when both surfaces 
have significant yield. The holes would have to be chamfered to prevent 
cutting through the jacket. It wouldn't be much different than an insulator 
if done correctly. It is all about not making the short turn radius a knife.

> I'm actually a little surprised a dead end / preform isn't supposed to be 
> used with the straight-strand version of the cable. Those grips work by 
> compression of the cable they are "grabbing", and it's a fairly even 
> pressure over the length of the gripped area. If one could be found that 
> was the correct diameter for the cable being used it might be worth a 
> shot, but I completely agree with Tom -- TEST ANYTHING YOU TRY BEFORE 
> USING IT FOR REAL!  He's also correct that dynamic loading is much worse 
> than static loading. Wind causes vibration in towers and guys and that can 
> cause your clamps  to loosen over time, especially if they were marginal 
> to begin with.
>

There has to be considerable pressure on the jacket squeezing it into the 
inner fiberglass. I'd be reluctant to use a grip on something that has a 
tendency to slide. I don't think it will squeeze hard enough. The newer 
Phillystran has much less tendency to have the jacket slide over the center.