[TowerTalk] Splicing together 7/8" Heliax

[Fred Hopengarten]

From:
Fred Hopengarten  K1VR               617/259-0088
Six Willarch Road
Lincoln, MA 01773-5105
permanent e-mail address:  fhopengarten@mba1972.hbs.edu

On Tue, 2 Sep 1997 16:57:37 -0400 (EDT) SFrakes@aol.com writes:
>Sept. 2, 1997
>
>Is there anything wrong with using two pieces of 7/8" Heliax, that has 
>been
>spliced together? 

Scott:

	You neglect to tell us about the splice, and the frequencies of
use.  Let's assume that it is a connectorized splice.  You'll never see
it (electronically), or care about it, at frequencioes below 30 MHz.  At
frequencies under 7 MHz, you could use  a VE1ZZ splice and still not
notice it.  VE1ZZ brings the two pieces of hardline vertical and ties the
shields together with a stainless steel hose clamp.  The two center
conductors are soldered with a small copper jumper.  The coax is
weather-protected by putting them in an inverted two liter soda bottle. 
Trust me, VE1ZZ is loud, and he can hear.

	Do it.  Enjoy it.  Good luck. -- Fred K1VR

P.S. Yes, commercial installations do wind up with 35-50 foot pieces
extra all the time.  $100 of wastage on every job is far preferable to a
shortage once a year. 

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