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Topband: Beverage strain auto-disconnects

To: Topband <topband@contesting.com>
Subject: Topband: Beverage strain auto-disconnects
From: N1BUG <paul@n1bug.com>
Date: Fri, 20 Jul 2012 08:28:54 -0400
List-post: <topband@contesting.com">mailto:topband@contesting.com>
Another question.

My Beverages run through forest. Falling trees caused many wire 
breaks and high maintenance until I started using strain disconnects 
at all ends. I use a "fuse" link of #18 soft copper wire between the 
end insulator and the support pole/tree. For the Beverage connection 
to the transformer, termination, or reflection transformer (most are 
WD1A reversible type), I've been using 1/4" blade connectors. This 
allows the Beverage to fall and simply unplug itself from the boxes. 
In 4 years using this system I have not had to splice a single wire, 
and they have been down MANY times.

My concern is those blade connectors, which turn an ugly mottled 
black within a year after installation. I'm not sure if this is a 
real problem or an imagined one. The Beverages still work but I'm 
concerned about possible BCI or other crud being generated in these 
connections. Does anyone have a better idea for disconnects to 
protect Beverage wire and boxes from destruction?

I could replace these connectors every year or two but that would be 
lot of work.

73,
Paul N1BUG

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