Topband: Why do rodents eat coax?

[donovanf at starpower.net]

Hi Dave, 


You might need to use a TDR to identify the extent of cable damage. 
Hopefully the flooded cable limited the extent of damage, but water can 
intrude quite a long distance into some brands of RG-6. All RG-6 is 
not created equal, far from it. Hopefully you have the good stuff! 


73 
Frank 
W3LPL 

----- Original Message -----

From: "Dave Olean" <k1whs at metrocast.net> 
To: topband at contesting.com 
Sent: Wednesday, November 11, 2015 3:19:08 PM 
Subject: Topband: Why do rodents eat coax? 

Thanks to all who responded with all sorts of great hints and ideas for combating the rodent problem with beverage feedlines. I ended up going with buying 1000 ft of 1/2" PVC conduit and will lay that on the ground through the woods. I ordered a new 1000 ft roll of RG-6 flooded cable to use inside the PVC. I also removed my existing 1000 ft run of coax and gave it a good inspection looking for chew marks. After laying the coax out in my open field, I identified five areas where the critters had chewed it. At least three of the spots were severe with chewing marks that went deep down to expose the center conductor. I can cut the bad parts out and will only lose about 10-12 ft of overall length. I'll put F fittings and splices there and will try to reuse the old cable as well. It won't fit inside the PVC along with the new cable, but hopefully, I can bury it enough so that it lasts a few years. I was hoping to add another beverage at the same spot with a second feedline. I can 
lay out an 800-900 ft wire aimed at Africa and the middle East. That is an area that I have had nothing in the past, so maybe I can improve things while I repair the rodent damage. Those darn critters sure caused a lot of damage and expense! 
Anyway, thanks to all who responded. I appreciate all the great comments and ideas. 
73 
Dave K1WHS 
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