Topband: Ends for older Phillystran

[n0tt1 at juno.com]

> I'm actually a little surprised a dead end / preform isn't supposed 
> to be used with the straight-strand version of the cable. 
 
This discussion really belongs on TowerTalk, but....
 
If the straight-strand cable is bent around something, be it
an insulator, guy grips, woven in and out of holes, etc,
the fibers within the cable will not share the load equally.   
Not having equal loads within the Phillystran cable derates 
its designed strength, probably by more than 50%.  
 
The older, straight-strand, cables made use of a cone-shaped
aluminum "basket" at each end.  IIRC, the cable is inserted into
the pointed end (tip) of the basket and pulled out the open end.  
Tape is wrapped around the cable a few inches from the 
end, then the sheath is removed down to the tape.  The 
individual fibers are then combed and fanned out.  The cable is pulled 
back into the basket, wedging the tape into the tip.  That
makes a liquid-tight seal.  A homebrew "jig" is used 
to hold the basket upright while a potting compound is poured 
into the basket and allowed to harden.  

73, 
Charlie, N0TT