[TowerTalk] Do I need an insulator on the ends of my dipole?

[Paul Christensen]

I should have linked to it in my last message.  Model HQ-2.

https://budwigmoldedproducts.com/antenna-connector-and-insulators/

Paul, W9AC

-----Original Message-----
From: Paul Christensen <w9ac at arrl.net> 
Sent: Friday, June 26, 2020 2:23 PM
To: 'towertalk at contesting.com' <towertalk at contesting.com>
Subject: RE: [TowerTalk] Do I need an insulator on the ends of my dipole?

The Nylon rope is an insulator until gets wet, collects, decays and collects
more stuff with UV exposure, etc.  Assuming your fan dipole is a half-wave
on all bands -- and it should be, keep in mind that RF voltage is maximum at
each end.

I would consider the common dark green Budwig insulators that have a decent
ribbed dirt path.  They're stealthy enough.

Paul, W9AC



-----Original Message-----
From: TowerTalk <towertalk-bounces at contesting.com> On Behalf Of Kevin
Zembower via TowerTalk
Sent: Friday, June 26, 2020 2:07 PM
To: TowerTalk at contesting.com
Subject: [TowerTalk] Do I need an insulator on the ends of my dipole?

Hello,

I'm replacing my 40/20/10M fan dipole with an even more stealthy one, using
small gauge insulated stranded copper-clad steel. The suspension goes from a
post in my back yard, to a mast on the peak of my roof, to a tree in the
front of the yard. At both ends, there's at least 10 feet of nylon cord.

Currently, there's a ceramic insulator at each end of the dipole, between
the dipole wire and the nylon cord. Do I need any kind of insulator? Isn't
the nylon cord an insulator? I can work out the mechanical stress with
thimble eyes. Why do I need an insulator?

I only run 100W maximum with my system max.

Thanks for your advice and guidance.

-Kevin
KC3KZ
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