[TowerTalk] PEX tubing for antenna spacers?

[Roger (K8RI) on TT]

I'd avoid the "water pipe" due to lack of UV resistance.
"I think" you will find the plastic water pipe will turn brittle with 
long term exposure to UV.  NOTE, I have not used plastic water pipe in 
this situation and base the "I think" on experience with similar 
plastics exposed to UV.

I use 4' of 1/2" PVC conduit for spacers at the ends of a fan dipole for 
75/80. At present it's just two wires, but I plan on going to 3 or 4. 
They aren't heavy enough to cause any problems ( so far)  The antenna is 
under considerable tension.  It is held in place by a 5/16th double 
braid poly rope through a pulley near the top of the 100' 45G.  The 
armstrong method of tensioninng is being replaced with simple winches.  
Unlike Jim, my end spreaders are under considerable tension (linear 
compression) and are still holding after 3 to 5 years with no noticeable 
deterioration from UV.  
http://www.rogerhalstead.com/ham_files/AntennaSpreader1.htm

73 es good luck,

Roger  (K8RI)


On 3/12/2016 Saturday 11:43 AM, Jim Brown wrote:
> On Sat,3/12/2016 8:28 AM, Larry Banks wrote:
>> (The white stuff that I have microwave tested is not UV resistant, so 
>> there is a question about how long it will last outside.)
>>
>> As it is very light weight and seems to be fairly rigid, it looks 
>> like a good candidate for this purpose.  Any experience with this 
>> stuff out there?
>
> Most PVC conduit is labeled as "UV resistant," and the spacers I've 
> made using 1/2-in PVC conduit has held up fairly well. I wouldn't put 
> stress on it, but it works for a pretty long time as spacers. PVC 
> conduit is so cheap and easy to cut and drill, why would you want to 
> use something that probably has no UV resistance?
>
> 73, Jim K9YC
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-- 

73

Roger (K8RI)


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