[UK-CONTEST] Enamelled wire -vs- Flexweave (Callum M0MCX)

[Callum M0MCX]

Hello Brian, thanks for the note. This is a three sided loop. There's three articles describing this project near the top of my index page at: http://www.m0mcx.co.uk/

Regards,

Callum McCormick
http://www.m0mcx.co.uk/


-----Original Message-----
From: uk-contest-bounces at contesting.com [mailto:uk-contest-bounces at contesting.com] On Behalf Of brian coyne
Sent: 04 November 2008 06:35
To: uk-contest at contesting.com
Subject: [UK-CONTEST] Enamelled wire -vs- Flexweave (Callum M0MCX)

I had a full wave top band loop at my last UK qth, (those were the days!).

I also used pvc covered stranded copper wire. I also used porceline egg type insulators which enabled the wire to run free through them. This method reduced the tension breakages to nil because supporting trees tend to bend in opposit directions at the same moment. I also used bungees to give greater flexibility.

You do not say how many supports your loop is using. I had only 4 which gave lengths of approx 40 mtrs per side, so there was significant sag, especially with perching birds added but the weight ratio between flexiweave and the pvc, or other options is the critical factor. In Cornwall we had zero snow or icing so I never saw that problem but I imagine (if flexiweave looks like a strap) you may need to take that into account. If you are fortunate enough to have more than 4 supports then that problem diminishes. 

Large loops are great antennas, iirc mine went like a bomb on all bands except 80mtrs.

73  Brian.


      
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