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Re: [TowerTalk] PEX tubing for antenna spacers?

To: towertalk@contesting.com
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] PEX tubing for antenna spacers?
From: "Roger (K8RI) on TT" <K8RI-on-TowerTalk@tm.net>
Date: Sat, 12 Mar 2016 13:23:00 -0500
List-post: <towertalk@contesting.com">mailto:towertalk@contesting.com>
I'd avoid the "water pipe" due to lack of UV resistance.
"I think" you will find the plastic water pipe will turn brittle with long term exposure to UV. NOTE, I have not used plastic water pipe in this situation and base the "I think" on experience with similar plastics exposed to UV.

I use 4' of 1/2" PVC conduit for spacers at the ends of a fan dipole for 75/80. At present it's just two wires, but I plan on going to 3 or 4. They aren't heavy enough to cause any problems ( so far) The antenna is under considerable tension. It is held in place by a 5/16th double braid poly rope through a pulley near the top of the 100' 45G. The armstrong method of tensioninng is being replaced with simple winches. Unlike Jim, my end spreaders are under considerable tension (linear compression) and are still holding after 3 to 5 years with no noticeable deterioration from UV. http://www.rogerhalstead.com/ham_files/AntennaSpreader1.htm

73 es good luck,

Roger  (K8RI)


On 3/12/2016 Saturday 11:43 AM, Jim Brown wrote:
On Sat,3/12/2016 8:28 AM, Larry Banks wrote:
(The white stuff that I have microwave tested is not UV resistant, so there is a question about how long it will last outside.)

As it is very light weight and seems to be fairly rigid, it looks like a good candidate for this purpose. Any experience with this stuff out there?

Most PVC conduit is labeled as "UV resistant," and the spacers I've made using 1/2-in PVC conduit has held up fairly well. I wouldn't put stress on it, but it works for a pretty long time as spacers. PVC conduit is so cheap and easy to cut and drill, why would you want to use something that probably has no UV resistance?

73, Jim K9YC
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73

Roger (K8RI)


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