[TowerTalk] Phillystran As Strong As They Claim?

[K8RI]

On 11/20/2011 2:07 PM, K7LXC at aol.com wrote:
> <snip>
> Well, you could always do a  destruct test to find out.
>
>          When the current generation  of Phillystran was introduced, the
> only way to terminate them was with cable  clamps. The problem was that the
> aramid fibers cold flowed with potential fatal  problems. Later they developed
> the Preformed grips for Phillystran and that  problem was solved.
>
>          There aren't any grips  available for the 1200 so you still have to
> use clamps. Is the strength  compromised? Maybe. But if you're using 1200,
> it's probably for a non-mission  critical application such as your dipole
> support. If your 1200 Phillystran  breaks in your application, there would be
> a lot more to worry about than your  dipole.

It also makes a big difference on how the clamps are installed.  The U 
bolt goes on the "dead side" while the clamp goes on the load bearing 
side.  The side with the indentation carries less load than the side 
with the clamp.  OTOH it depends on how slippery the thimble and 
Phillystran interface is.  I've been using a fair amount of the 1200 and 
never had a problem even with the "big dents" on the dead side.

Likewise I'd not want to put a big load on the 1200 when the Big Grips 
are available for the 2200# test and it's not all that much more expensive.

Don't forget to use the moisture caps and glue them in place.

73

Roger (K8RI)
>
> Cheers,
> Steve    K7LXC
> TOWER TECH