On 7/23/2013 4:55 AM, Gary Smith wrote:
My Inv-l came down again. Went out to see what happened and another
storm weakened tree came down & it's upper branches brought my
antenna down with it. I really need to use a better wire than 8
strand computer cable for the antenna. This CAT-8 wire comes down at
least 2-3 times a year.
Since I use a spud gun with fishing reel attached to get the antenna
up through the trees I am limited in what wire I can use to get up
there. I don't have pulleys available with what I have to do & the
wire is subject to the constant friction of moving limbs & the
insulation wears away soon enough. I hesitate to buy expensive wire
as once the insulation wears away there will be arcing to a branch.
Years ago I used to use old telephone wire, the heavily insulated
solid conductor zip cord like drop wire but that's not available to
me any more.
Any suggestion as to a good rugged wire?
73,
Gary
KA1J
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Topband Reflector
Gary, WD-1A military field phone wire is strong, lightweght and very
inexpensive. It is available on E-bay. Be sure to use a spring and a
counter weight at one end to absorb the movement of the branches and
reduce the friction. This method will also mitigate somewhat the
tendency for a tree limb to envelope the wire and cause additional
problems with wind and moving branches.
Herb Schoenbohm, KV4FZ
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Topband Reflector
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