Carl, KM1H's assessment of the availability of cheap Andrew heliax is bang
on; analog repeaters for 2-way radio have gone the way of the Dodo bird and
repeater sites are being removed in large numbers. If you do locate several
lengths which must be joined, it is not a good idea to bury the connection
even though some sort of coax seal is used. Murphy's law will get you if
you do this, if not this year then next!
A better idea is to bring the connection above ground, seal it properly and
cover it if possible. Because Heliax cannot be bent in a short radius
without damaging the jacket, it is not possible to use something like a 4"
waste pipe with cap to cover the connection. I have run the connection a
couple of feet up a tree or post and back down, secured the connection
mechanically and positioned it horizontally to minimize the possibility of
water entering.
Should you obtain some cable for your antenna runs, do not rely on the
connector having been installed correctly-unfortunately, it is easy to botch
the installation! The greatest problem is a body which does not make a
clean and firm contact with the jacket. Download connector installation
instructions and check each one you use before installation.
Bill VE3NH
-----
No virus found in this message.
Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
Version: 2013.0.3392 / Virus Database: 3211/6611 - Release Date: 08/26/13
_________________
Topband Reflector
|