[UK-CONTEST] Mastrant ropes - Caution?

[Clive GM3POI]

16mm Parafil is what my top guys are Keith. But keep in mind if the top guys
survive then the crank up cables may be the next weak point in the chain.
Having had 8mm crank up cables tear apart I now use 11mm.
Good luck Clive GM3POI

-----Original Message-----
From: UK-Contest [mailto:uk-contest-bounces at contesting.com] On Behalf Of
Kerr, Prof. K.M.
Sent: 26 September 2012 08:17
To: 'uk-contest at contesting.com'
Subject: [UK-CONTEST] Mastrant ropes - Caution?

It is only right to follow-up on earlier postings about my pursuit of a
non-conductive guy rope solution over the summer.
At the first serious test (and it was serious) I am afraid the Mastrant rope
does not seem to be up to snuff. This is at least my initial impression.
I think Don G3BJ asked a pertinent question at one point in our exchanges,
regarding the performance of this rope under impulsive stresses such as wind
gusts.
Sad to say, I think the conclusion may be 'not good enough'. I got home last
night to find the top section of the P80 guyed with the Mastrant rope (D12)
bent right over and the yagi on top completely trashed. I have not had the
chance to examine the damage in detail but it seems the top guy in the
prevailing wind direction 'failed'. The turnbuckles, U bolts etc seem OK so
I suspect the rope stretched to a point where it was serving no useful
purpose.
Difficult to be sure but my confidence in this stuff is now zero! I
genuinely believe that the installation was otherwise well enough designed
and assembled (but then I would say that, wouldn't I!)

Keith GM4YXI/GM5X






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