[TowerTalk] Guys and things

[Tom Rauch]

> story.) My mind boggles when I hear $5 US ea for what I presume to be
> compression (egg) insulators to break guys in relatively modest service.

Actually the service is too stressfull for plastic compression 
insulators. They would cold-flow, cut through, or simply break. I 
have problems with my Beverage antennas (only 14 gauge wire) 
and fence insulators.

$5 each is a bit much for insulators in any quantity, although it is 
reasonable for small lots. 502 insulators are easily found new for 
under $3, but that generally requires purchasing a hundred 
insulators. 

> tensioners does a great job for guys and costs peanuts. If Phillystran is
> Kevlar, then hunt around commercial fishing boat suppliers. 

Like our oil prices (and electricity when deregulated), suppliers 
charge what the market will pay. Cost is never related to 
manufacturing plus distribution cost, our system is based on what 
the market will stand. If you are the only supplier, you can set the 
price high.

I simply won't pay the price of phillystran because I can do a steel 
and insulator system for substantially less investment. I purchase 
enough material that I obtain grips, guy line, and insulators directly 
from manufacturers.
73, Tom W8JI
W8JI@contesting.com 

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