Topband: Inverted L question

[Jim Brown]

On Tue,2/3/2015 1:55 PM, Art Snapper wrote:
> How important is it for the top part to be led away at a right angle?
>
> I was considering running it vertically 80ft, then about 25 feet at a 45
> degree up angle and 25 feet at a 45 degree down angle, over the top of the
> supporting tree.

That shape should work just fine, BUT -- the end of an inverted L is a 
high voltage point (VERY high voltage if you're running an amp), so it's 
easy to get arcing to the tree. I had a 160 dipole up for several years, 
and the first rigging had one end in contact with foliage of the tall 
redwood that held it up. When I took it down for maintenance, the 
insulation was heavily scorched.

Another suggestion. Do you have skyhooks that you might use to turn it 
into a Tee? If you can, it will work as well or better than the L. Both 
configurations are simple ways of providing top-loading.

Bottom line -- run it through the tree with caution. It will work, but 
things can go wrong. :)

73, Jim K9YC