[TowerTalk] Insulating the Boom Truss Wires for Gamma Match

[Mike Foerster]

Well, I'm quite intrigued by the though of loading my TH11DX boom to use as
a 40 meter radiator using a gamma match.

I'd like to try using the boom support truss wires for the gamma rod, so I
need to drop the wires and insulate them from the boom.  Adding a coax
connector for the lead in, and capacitor (using coax) isn't a problem.

I'm looking for ideas on how to reconnect the truss wires to the mast
clamp with something for an insulator.

The clamp on the mast is two 1/2 shells with a bolt on each side (roughly
1/4 inch diameter) through both halves.  There's a metal bracket that
connects from each bolt to the truss wire, but that piece of stainless steel
broke off from the previous installation.  I've replaced it with a link loop
(stronger) which is easy to remove on the truss wire.

I though about getting some nylon rope (similar to parachute rope) and
making as many loops through as possible (slide the clamp up the mast
a few inches), then wrap it with some tape to try to keep it somewhat dry.

I can't think of any type of plastic or other insulator that I could bolt
into place that would hold the stress.

Anyone have any ideas of how to insulate this?

The truss attaches to the boom about  8.5 ft out on the boom.  Hopefully
some experimentation will get me to a reasonably low SWR on 40.

Mike






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