[TowerTalk] How to run my 400' feedlines?

[Roger (K8RI)]

Dan Levin wrote:
> I am in the process of moving my tower, which requires me to re-cable the
> feedlines.  The new runs will be roughly 400', and I think I am going to use
> LDF5-50A Heliax
> The question is how to run the cable.  The options are:
>
> 1) Direct burial in a ~18" deep trench.  I don't think that running conduit
> is going to be an option.  Is Heliax "rated" for direct burial?  Does it
> matter?
>   
Although the loss in 400 feet of LDF-50 would certainly be low even on 
VHF, I've found LDF-50 to be a tad fragile when it comes to mechanical 
things.  I started to install it and changed to LMR-600. Over 400 feet 
the 600 only has a few tenths of a db more loss and is not nearly so 
sensitive to kinking while being handled.  It's probably a bit more than 
the LDF-50 at $1.29 a foot which is what I paid last year.  I don't know 
what it is now. Crip connectors are much cheaper for the LMR-600 as well 
although http://www.surplusserver.com/products/Antennas-Coax/index.html 
has some pretty good prices.
> 2) Run the cables through the trees at about 8' up in the air.  This is
> obviously not as good aesthetically, and I've had some problems with current
> on the shield of previous "hung in the air" feedlines - but it may be the
> only option if direct burial is out...
>   
Although I'd be uncomfortable running LDF-50 underground, I'd be more 
uncomfortable running it through the trees.  For Andrew coax my choice 
would be the 7/8" Heliax although it's usually quite a bit more, or I'd 
go for a cable designed for direct burial.  The extra cost  is good 
insurance.

Good Luck,

Roger (K8RI)
> Thoughts, suggestions, comments?
>
>                     ***dan, K6IF
>
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