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Message |
    
Bvennink
Junior Member
Username: Bvennink
Post Number: 33
Registered: 3-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, January 07, 2010 - 3:39 pm: | 
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Would a piece of 7X7 3/32 stainless aircraft cable work for a HF dipole? I am wondering because of the trees at my qth. I want to make a bullet proof dipole. I will have pulleys at each end with counterweights, and supported in the middle off the tower. Any ideas?? |
Tech833
Moderator
Username: Tech833
Post Number: 1807
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, January 09, 2010 - 6:01 pm: |
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Yes, it would!
I use stainless steel rownrigger cable for all my HF dipoles, which is similar to your aircraft cable. Winds top 90 MPH here during storms quite often, so I also need bullet proof antennas. None have ever come down or failed in any way.
Go for it!
Image of my antennas here- http://www.copperelectronics.com/cgi-bin/discus4/board-auth.cgi?file=/77380/111853.jpg&type=image/jpeg
Your radio 'Mythbuster' since 1998
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Tech237
Moderator
Username: Tech237
Post Number: 1280
Registered: 4-2004
| | Posted on Sunday, January 10, 2010 - 10:23 am: |
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I now of several Commercially made antennas that are made from stainless steel cable that have survived cyclones, bush fires and just about anything else you can mention.
Go for it
Tech237
N7AUS
Chipmonks roasting on an open fire
Hot sauce dripping from their toes.
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Patzerozero
Senior Member
Username: Patzerozero
Post Number: 4768
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Sunday, January 10, 2010 - 10:38 pm: |
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if you're going to hang an indestructable stainless steel wire as an antenna, make sure the SUPPORTS break if something were to pull the antenna down. you don't want your radio getting pulled thru the tiny coax hole in the wall if the antenna gets hit by a flying tree branch..... . |
Tech833
Intermediate Member
Username: Tech833
Post Number: 131
Registered: 12-2001
| | Posted on Monday, January 11, 2010 - 10:16 am: |
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If you were using a properly installed Polyphaser, the coax would yank out at the Polyphaser, and your radio would stay put.
Or, as an alternative, my stainless antennas are fed using baluns to open wire feedlines. Open wire has less loss than coax, and is a lot cheaper for longer runs. Also, you don't have to worry about water soaking into open wire the way you do with coax.
Your radio 'Mythbuster' since 1998
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