Topband: spark gap construction ideas for 160m tower

[donovanf at starpower.net]

Just purchase them, they're not expensive. For example: 


www.antiquelampsupply.com/3-8-dia-brass-ball-tap-6-32f.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI_auMy7GI5QIVho7ICh2C4wEvEAQYAyABEgJFGPD_BwE 


73 
Frank 
W3LPL 

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

From: "Jeff Blaine" <KeepWalking188 at ac0c.com> 
To: "topband" <topband at contesting.com> 
Sent: Sunday, October 6, 2019 6:27:58 PM 
Subject: Topband: spark gap construction ideas for 160m tower 

I need to add a spark gap of some sort onto my full-size 160m 
insulated-base tower. Looking for ideas. 

Making the spark gap is simple. What has me asking for ideas is the 
weather element - we have a lot of snow, ice, rain here and a spark gap 
needs to keep that stuff off. But put a little cover over it, right? 
Well, yes but if the cover is not fully enclosed, then you have wasps 
and spiders making nests there. If it's enclosed, then you have 
condensation and ants. 

I like the idea of W8JI's two balls close to each other - the surface 
area is large so accumulated pitting won't change the spacing and thus 
the BDV much. And the water will drain off away from the contact 
points. But what does a guy make that out of if he does not have a set 
of brass balls in his junkbox. 

73/jeff/ac0c 
alpha-charlie-zero-charlie 
www.ac0c.com 


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