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

[john at kk9a.com]

I always use an insulator in my dipoles. One might say what is the harm of
using an inexpensive insulator however it appears that you are trying to be
as stealth as possible so I am guessing that you just do not want to see
one. I am not sure what voltage is on the dipole ends, maybe 750 peak?  The
trouble with nylon rope is that it holds moisture and minerals which are
conductive.  Perhaps there is a heavy duty fishing line or maybe even
weedwacker string that could be used as an insulated support line.

John KK9A


Kevin Zembower KC3KZ
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