[TowerTalk] Parallel dipole construction questions

[Eric Dobrowansky K2WD]

After deciding to discard my trusty old W2AU 40/80m trap dipole which finally failed (trap of balun, not sure yet), I constructed a new 80m inverted V last evening. Works great on 80m, but I would like to add 40m.   Can anyone recommend a good material and/or procedure for fabricating spreaders to parallel another wire alongside the current 60ft legs, so as to add a 40m length?   



The lighter the better, obviously.  I will be using 14ga strandedinsulated wire.  I was thinking maybe either plexiglass pieces, or maybe 1/2" conduit cut into short pieces, spaced every som many feet?  Can anyone speak from experience as to how far the 40m and 80m wires need to be spaced, and also how far between spreaders to keep the wires apart? 



Can anyone say how well the combined antenna will work as compared to two separate 40/80 dipoles? 



Thanks 

Eric 
K2CB 

Thanks 

Eric 
K2CB