[TowerTalk] Repairing/replacing a damaged feedline

[Jim Brown]

I would replace the entire length, then use the good section(s) for 
other runs. Or keep as spare. The reason is that I like to avoid 
unnecessary splices, which I view as another place the line can 
accumulate moisture.

Of course, you use a sweeping antenna analyzer the produces complex data 
and can export it. I would then make measurements of that line in the 
shack, disconnected from the antenna, with the far end open, and again 
with the far end shorted. Then export that data to AC6LA's excellent 
Excel ZPlots spreadsheet, which will plot loss, Zo, and VF as a function 
of frequency.

If you have access to an analyzer that can perform TDR sweeps to at 
least 500 MHz (1 GHz better), you can see relatively small defects along 
the line. I've done that with my VNWA. And you can do that without 
disconnecting from the antenna!

73, Jim K9YC

On 3/24/2019 6:01 PM, Bob Shohet, KQ2M wrote:
> So my question is – should I just replace the entire 325’ Buryflex feedline?  Or does it make sense to replace the the 100’ damaged area plus an additional “safety” area of ~ 50’ for a total of 150’?