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

To: towertalk@contesting.com
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Do I need an insulator on the ends of my dipole?
From: K9MA <k9ma@sdellington.us>
Date: Fri, 26 Jun 2020 23:05:25 -0500
List-post: <mailto:towertalk@contesting.com>
I've used monofilament fishing line as insulators on temporary antennas for years, and never had a problem.  I suppose UV would weaken it eventually, so you might have to replace it every few years.

73,
Scott K9MA


On 6/26/2020 22:34, john@kk9a.com wrote:
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

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--
Scott  K9MA

k9ma@sdellington.us

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