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

[Grant Saviers]

I've used the Budwig HQ-2 in a number of antennas, Rx and Tx at QRO and 
found they hold up well, even in DXpedition use seaside with the deep 
ribs.  I use a 4mm "paracord" bow shackle ($8 for 5) from ebay, pin thru 
the hole, since it is too small for most ropes.  A downside is they 
appear to be made of a thermoset plastic so it doesn't take much banging 
around to chip a rib.  Plenty strong otherwise.

Related, the 6" stock fishing line at the end of a crankIR vertical or 
radial would melt when salt accumulated on them and they arced over.  So 
HQ-2's solved that problem.  Screw in electric fence "wood post ring 
insulators"  rated for 5kv pulses, also arced placed along radials.  The 
5" long yellow plastic ones have held up on my 160m elevated radials.

Grant KZ1W

On 6/26/2020 11:24, Paul Christensen wrote:
> 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
> 
> 
>